Famous Textile Arts of Rajasthan

1. Bandhani (Tie and Dye):
One of the oldest forms of textile design in India, Bandhani involves tying small portions of fabric with thread and then dyeing them in bright colors. When the knots are opened, they create beautiful patterns like dots, waves, stripes, and squares. Popular in cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, Bandhani is commonly seen on sarees, dupattas, turbans, and odhnis.

2. Leheriya:
Another tie-dye technique, Leheriya is known for its distinctive wave-like patterns, created using diagonal resist-dyeing. Traditionally worn during the monsoon season, Leheriya fabrics are usually dyed in multiple bright colors, producing a cheerful and festive appearance.

3. Block Printing:
Rajasthan is a major center for hand block printing, where artisans use intricately carved wooden blocks to print beautiful designs on fabric. Towns like Sanganer, Bagru, and Barmer are famous for this art. Natural dyes and traditional motifs such as flowers, animals, and geometric shapes are commonly used.

4. Kota Doria:
Kota Doria is a fine, lightweight, and airy fabric traditionally woven in the town of Kota. It is made of a unique combination of cotton and silk yarns, creating a characteristic square-check pattern called ‘khat.’ Perfect for sarees and dupattas, this textile is both elegant and comfortable in Rajasthan’s hot climate.