Dabu print is an ancient technique for printing textiles, and the Akola community unleashed this exquisite technique in the twenty-first century. This dabu print fabric has its roots primarily in Rajasthan, where a talented community of artists has worked to preserve it. The beauty of naturally crafted products lends a personal touch, satisfaction, elegance, and positive energy. This is why dabu printed fabric is gaining worldwide popularity and creating a stunning, fashionable appearance that stands out. 

Significance of the Dabu Print in History

The art of textile printing originated in central Asia and was later introduced to the Indian state of Rajasthan. This art has been forgotten in the past because few people were familiar with it. The inhabitants of the Akola village then began working on this mud-resisting technique. With this art of dabu print, you can create other decorative items to enhance the look of your home's interior, in addition to clothing. The production of the dabu print is sluggish and quite complicated, requiring the use of multiple hands to complete the process. This process has evolved in a distinct way and brought about significant change over the years.

The Dabu Printing Method

The splendid dabu print fabric is created using mud and water, which is also referred to as an ancient art form. This eco-friendly and sustainable method calls for natural materials such as clay or mud, lime gum, wheat husk, florals, and fruits to create the dye color. The name "dabu" means "press." To create the same pattern, artisans immerse wooden blocks in dye and press them onto fabric. Let's examine this process in greater depth.

Preparing the mud 

In this process, artisans prepared a mixture of mud or clay, wheat, gum, or lime water and placed it in a tray for imprinting with a well-crafted wooden block.

Block printing

In hand block printing, the wooden block is dipped into the substance on the tray and then stamped onto the fabric. They can choose any pattern or motif inspired by nature to give the fabric an attractive appearance. Motifs may include florals, peacocks, undulating lines, and dots, among others.

Sawdust process 

The sawdust process is required after the mud-resist block printing, and here the sawdust is applied before the fabric's mud paste has cured.

Shake vigorously

After the sawdust procedure is complete, it is time to remove the sawdust from the fabric. By vigorously jostling them, all of the sawdust is removed.

Being sun-dried

The subsequent step entails drying under the sun, which makes the mud prints durable.

Dyeing procedure

Dyeing is the next essential stage for bringing beautiful colors to the fabric. There are multiple options available, like Kashish Fabric (grey and brown), blue, or indigo, and artisans prefer the colors of fruits and blossoms for other hues. It is now time to prepare the dye in accordance with the desired hues.

Cleaning procedure

The hand block print fabric is then cleaned to remove the dust, but it must be delicately washed so as not to remove the mud paste. The fabric is more likely to absorb the dye color after appropriate washing.

Dyeing of color 

After the fabric has been washed, it is plunged into the dye pond to absorb the color.

Cleaning and drying

After soaking the fabric in the dye for an extended period of time, it is now time to expose it to the sun to conclude the dying process. Then, it must be washed to remove excess dye.

Now that the fabric has been washed, it must be prepared for sale. This entire process is labor-intensive and requires the hands of qualified artisans to transform plain fabric into hand-block-printed fabric. Every household in Rajasthan engages in art, particularly textile printing. Here you'll find a vast assortment of colors and patterns of fabric for personal and interior decorating purposes. To make the entire procedure eco-friendly, the required fabric is 100 percent organic cotton.

Specific features of dabu print

Dabu print is rooted in tradition and culture, and it evokes a sense of proximity to the splendor of nature. The top characteristics of the dabu print are:

Intricate patterns or designs

The patterns or designs are spectacular experiences for the mind because they draw inspiration from nature and the surrounding environment.

Promote eco-friendly merchandise

Utilizing the Dabu print collection encourages the use of eco-friendly products in daily life. It is essential for clothing brands to encourage consumers to choose eco-friendly products over synthetic fabrics.

Incorporating style
This print is implemented in the fashion industry to showcase handblock printing.

Conclusion-

Dabu print is an exquisite form of textile printing, and the widespread demand for this fabric propels the nation forward. This legacy of dabu print will be carried on by the next generation, ensuring that people never forget their ancient art. The artisans and craftsmen play an essential role in this journey, and they also require expressions of gratitude. Without them, it is impossible to understand art and history.