🔆 Kutch Ajrakh 📍 Context The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM) has granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Kutch Ajrakh, a traditional hand-block printing art from the Kutch region of Gujarat. 📍 What is Ajrakh? 🎨 Meaning: The term Ajrakh originates from the word ‘Azrak’, meaning indigo, the primary dye used in this art. 🏠 Centers of Production: The craft thrives in Dhamadka and Ajrakhpur, villages in Kutch. 📜 Historical Roots: Ajrakh traces back 400 years, originating with Sindhi Muslim communities and practiced in Sindh, Barmer, and Kutch for centuries. 📍 Craftsmanship and Technique 🧵 Artisanal Process: A labor-intensive hand-block printing technique on cotton fabric, using natural dyes extracted from local vegetables and minerals. 🌍 Cultural Significance: Ajrakh is a vital part of Gujarat’s cultural heritage, showcasing the rich textile traditions of the region. 📍 Quick Summary ✅ Context: Kutch Ajrakh receives the GI tag from CGPDTM. ✅ Meaning: Derived from ‘Azrak,’ symbolizing indigo dye. ✅ Roots: Practiced for 400+ years in Sindh, Barmer, and Kutch. ✅ Centers: Mainly produced in Dhamadka and Ajrakhpur. ✅ Craft: Laborious hand-block printing with natural dyes and deep cultural ties. #art_culture