Bandhani, also known as Bandhej or Bandhni is the oldest known method of tie-dye in India.it is believed that the Muslim Khatri community of the Kutch region was the first to use this form of dying.
It is a traditional tie-dye textile art form that originated in Gujarat and has been practiced for centuries now. Before dying, it implicates the process of tying small points or knots on a piece of fabric, which results in a variety of convoluted patterns and designs. It is commonly used in the making of sarees, dupattas, turbans, and other traditional garments.
History of Bandhani
Back over 5,000 years to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, the origins of the bandhani were traced. Excavations at the archaeological sites of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa have revealed evidence of tie-dye textiles, indicating that the technique has been practiced in the region for millennia.
How is it made?
The word Bandhani is derived from the Sanskrit word bandana, which means to tie. The making of the fabric starts with the selection of a lightweight fabric, usually cotton or silk. The fabric is washed and dyed in a base color. Then, it is meticulously tied to small portions of the fabric with thread, forming tiny knots. And these tiny knot functions as resist points, which prevents the dye from penetrating those areas.
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Once the fabric is prepared with knots, it is dipped into a dye bath. The fabric is usually dipped multiple times, with different colors used for each dye bath. The artisans carefully untie the knots after each dyeing, unveiling the areas of the fabric that remained undyed. This process is repeated several times, with different sections of the fabric being tied and dyed to create various patterns and designs.
The result of this technique is a vibrant and colorful fabric with various patterns such as dots, waves, squares, and more. The patterns and designs can vary greatly, ranging from simple and symmetrical to complex and abstract. The combination of vibrant colors and intricate patterns gives the fabric its unique and eye-catching appeal.
These fabrics are widely used to make traditional Indian garments such as sarees, salwar kameez, dupattas, and turbans. They are also used in home furnishings, including bedspreads, curtains, and cushion covers. These textiles are highly valued for their craftsmanship, beauty, and cultural significance.
There are several prominent Indian designers who are known for their bandhani designs. Anita Dongre, Sabyasachi, Neeta Lulla, and Urvashi Kaur are a few names who have created some brilliant pieces from Bandhani and infused it with their signature style.
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