The Making of an Art

Dating back to the Mughal period, the Farrukhabad printing craft is almost a thousand- year- old tradition. The prints are created using blocks made of either wood or brass. The wood of sal, mango or ebony trees are the popular choices for carving out the wooden blocks. Once the blocks are ready, motifs and patterns are drawn on them with the help of a pencil. These patterns are then carved out using small, flat and pointed iron bars known as ‘kalam’. Each block is fitted with a wooden handle and dipped in oil to ensure the longevity of the patterned edge. Traditionally the etchings on the blocks are designs inspired by the culture, history and heritage of the region. Among the most common designs are butis (paisley), kairi (mango) and the Tree of life. Almost fifteen different patterns of the Tree of Life are believed to have been developed by the artisans so far. The colors used on the fabrics are natural dyes, obtained from plants, animals and minerals. While turmeric and tesu flowers are used to obtain yellow, iron fillings mixed with jaggery are used for black. Similarly, other colours too are obtained from natural sources, for instance, indigo is used for blue, marigold petals for mustard, henna leaves for golden and a mixture of pomegranate tree bark and curd is used for green.

Exploring Farrukhabad Prints

The Farrukhabad prints, a millennial craft, has over time become an integral part of the city’s cultural identity. Found on a variety of products like scarves, stoles, bed spreads, curtains and cushions, Farrukhabad prints have now also found their way into art galleries. These prints are celebrated today, for their tradition and innovation. People visiting Farrukhabad can observe artisans create timeless works of art. A visual treat, the vibrant and unique prints and patterns are truly a shopper’s delight.