Marwar Block Print Project

This is one of two large block print projects undertaken by Dr. Madan Meena supported by Kota Heritage Society. It began in 2024 and is scheduled for completion in 2030.

In Western Rajasthan, apart from Pipar, Balotra and Barmer which are still active block printing centres, there used to be another two dozen or so centres which have closed down in the last fifty years.

This region had a distinct culture and unique dyeing and printing recipes catering for the desert communities. Despite the scarcity of water, a vibrant tradition of block printing had evolved.

Dr. Madan Meena has launched a five-year research project to document all the distinct print designs, to get new blocks hand carved and to print some 500 samples for a book-cum-catalogue in three volumes which will help to reveal and record the block printing history of the region.

Research and documentation will also include Kutch, Disa and Ahmedabad which have a similar design culture owing to migration and cultural exchanges.

KHS is thankful to the Centre for Embodied Knowledge (CEK) based in Hyderabad for their financial support enabling this project to start. We welcome further sponsors.