Bandhej or Bandhni Sarees of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the main center for this style of dyeing. The art of bandhej (tie & dye) originated from here and Jaipur is known to produce the most unique tie & dye saris all over India. Bandhni gets its name from the root word, 'baandh' meaning 'knot' and this technique has its origins in the western states of Rajasthan.

It goes by different names like Bandhej, Bandhini or Tie and Dye.

The process of making bandhni clothes is basically the same in Gujarat and Rajasthan, though the pattern and designs vary. The craftsmen from Rajasthan are easily recognizable because they grow the nail on their little finger to facilitate their lifting the cloth to tie it. On they wear a small metal ring with a point. The Gujarati craftsmen prefer to work without these aids.

It basically involves tying up the fabric in innumerable little knots and dyeing it. Mostly dark and bold colors are used for dyeing. Once the dyeing is over and the knots are untied, a beautiful design comes forth in the form of little dots. The fabric has a crumpled surface, as a result of tying and untying the knots, which adds an ethnic touch to it.

Fabric: Simple bandhani sarees are basically in cottons and are ideal for the Indian summers. There are also silk or chiffon bandhani sarees with sequins or zari work.

Colours and Design: The dominant colors in Bandhani sarees are bright like yellow, red, green and pink. Maroon is also popular. But with changing times, as Bandhani has become a part of fashion, various pastel colors and shades are being used. Single colour sarees with white spots are also common.

There are bandhani sarees with contrast colours, with zori borders. The various tye and dye designs on bandhani sarees are Bandhej, Lehriya, Batik, Mothra, Ekdali, Shikari, Cheent.

Topic
Arts & Crafts