The Timeless Tale of Bagh Print: Why this 1,000 Years Old Art is a Must Have in your Summer Wardrobe

Are you searching for a saree or a summer-ready outfit that’s light and breathable? Or maybe you’re a fashion lover who always asks, “What’s the story behind this print?” before buying something new. Either way, Bagh print deserves your attention. This isn’t just fabric – it’s hand-blocked art, done the same way for over a thousand years. Born in a small village in Madhya Pradesh and printed using natural dyes, river-rich water, and wooden blocks carved by hand, Bagh print is everything that fast fashion isn’t. It's sustainable, skin-friendly, and made for hot Indian summers. With its bold red and black motifs on soft white cotton, every piece tells a story – not just of heritage and folklore, but of the skilled hands that print each pattern, one block at a time. Whether it’s a dupatta, saree, kurta or even a chic scarf, Bagh print adds both comfort and meaning to your wardrobe. Curious how this ancient art still survives and why it’s making a comeback in designer collections and everyday wardrobes alike? Let’s uncover why Bagh print is more than just pretty patterns.

From River Rituals to Ramp Walks: The Fascinating Story of Bagh Print

Bagh print’s journey began centuries ago, long before the word “handmade” became a marketing trend. Its roots trace back over 1,000 years, inspired by the ancient Bagh Caves and their vibrant wall paintings, tucked away in the forests of Madhya Pradesh. But the real turning point came around 400 years ago when the Khatri community of Muslim dyers and printers migrated from Sindh (now in Pakistan) to India. They settled in the small village of Bagh, drawn to the clean, mineral-rich water of the Baghini River — a hidden ingredient that gives Bagh print its signature richness and lasting colours.

The Khatris, skilled in traditional block printing, brought with them not just tools but generations of textile wisdom. Over time, they developed the art into what we now call Bagh print — instantly recognisable for its bold red, jet black, and off-white palette, printed onto soft cottons and silks. These colours aren't chosen at random. For the local Bhil and Bhilala tribal communities, they hold deep cultural meaning, used in weddings, religious ceremonies, and festivals. Each motif, whether a flower, a mango (amba), or a dotted leheriya, is symbolic, often borrowed from nature or temple architecture. What makes Bagh print even more fascinating is the process. This is not digital printing or chemical dyeing. It’s an old-school craft in its purest form.

First comes Khara Karna — the cloth (often cotton or tussar silk) is beaten, soaked in goat dung (mengni), salt, and castor oil to clean and soften it. Yes, it sounds odd, but this is what prepares the fabric to absorb colour naturally. Then comes Harara, a herbal pre-dye made from harad fruit that gives the cloth a subtle off-white tone.

Next, the real magic begins. Skilled artisans use hand-carved wooden blocks — some designs over 300 years old — to stamp red and black motifs onto the cloth. These blocks are often made from teak or sheesham, sourced from places like Pethapur in Gujarat. Every block is dipped in dye and carefully pressed onto the cloth, which is laid out on red sandstone tables. The black dye is made from iron fillings, tamarind seed, and jaggery; the red comes from alum and natural plant extracts. No synthetic chemicals. No shortcuts.

Once printed, the cloth is left to rest, washed in the river, and then boiled with dhavda flowers and alizarin in a giant Bhatti (clay oven). The result? Colours that don’t just sit on the fabric, but become part of it — deep, earthy, and built to last. Each piece takes up to three weeks and involves several artisans.

Despite threats from machine prints and synthetic fabrics in the 20th century, Bagh print endured thanks to master artisans like Ismail Sulemanji Khatri, who revived the traditional method in the 1960s and brought global attention to the craft. His family, including Abdul Kadar Khatri and Mohammed Yusuf Khatri, have since innovated with new fabrics, colours, and even designs inspired by the Taj Mahal, all while staying rooted in tradition. 

Today, Bagh print isn’t just for tribal wear or temple offerings. It’s found in sarees, stoles, dupattas, kurta fabrics, home décor, and even bamboo mats. Designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Ritu Kumar have embraced it, and thanks to a growing awareness around sustainable fashion, it's back in the spotlight — proudly flaunting its GI tag, awarded in 2008, as a mark of authenticity. 

Why Bagh Belongs in Your Wardrobe

Bagh print isn’t just beautiful — it’s breathable, eco-friendly, and handmade using natural dyes that are kind to your skin and the planet. The colours stay rich. The fabric stays soft. And every piece carries a story of heritage, skill, and slow fashion. This 1,000-year-old art is making a quiet comeback — not just in museums or fashion weeks, but in daily wear. If you're after something timeless, rooted, and summer-friendly, a Bagh print saree or kurta is just right to start. It’s not just clothing. It’s the culture you can wear.

Where to Find Authentic Bagh Print Today

If you’re ready to welcome Bagh print into your wardrobe, a few Indian brands are doing the vital work of preserving and promoting this centuries-old tradition.

iTokri

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If you want to own a piece of true Bagh artistry, iTokri is a beautiful starting point. With a curated collection of sarees, stoles, and fabrics sourced directly from Madhya Pradesh’s artisans, the platform not only offers authenticity but also supports the families who keep this ancient craft alive.

Bagh India Store

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Dedicated entirely to the Bagh tradition, the Bagh India Store brings you textiles printed right in the village of Bagh. From striking red-and-black kurta sets to contemporary wear, every piece reflects the original art form — made using natural dyes, hand-carved blocks, and timeless attention to detail.

Rewa Handloom

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Rewa Handloom celebrates the elegance of Bagh print through handwoven Maheshwari and Chanderi sarees. With roots in central India’s weaving culture, their creations combine heritage motifs with luxurious textures — offering a slice of tradition that’s perfect for modern, mindful wardrobes.