BATIK

One of the many art based on resist dyeing is Batik. While the word Batik may have come from Indonesian word Mbatik, the originating place can not be ascertained due to its wide geographical spread and representation of cultural heritage without influence of each other through the art since over 2000 years.

In India too Batik has a long history and probably the colourful garments depicted in frescos of Ajanta Caves  in the manner is suggestive of Batik on Cotton. The Nomadic tribes of Maharasthra, Gujarat and Rajasthan wear batik attire.

Process:

Batik refers to the process of wax-resist dyeing technique on the fabric. The washed/softened fabric is masked with hot batik in a definite pattern to create design. For applying hot batik on the fabric tools like pen, brush, wooden or copper blocks are used. After drying of wax, fabric is dipped in the dye bath and dried. The waxed area keeps the original colour  in contrast to unmasked area creating a design on fabric. The process is repeated as many times the number of colours/shades required. The layer of wax cracks while drying and gets hard. The dye percolates in to fabric through the cracks in waxed area due to which an irregular pattern of colour develops in the design. This makes batik unique and fascinating.

BATIK :
1. Batik refers to the process of wax-resist dyeing technique on the fabric.
2. It is believed that the word Batik is derived from the Indonesian word ‘ambatik’which means ‘a cloth with little dots’ whereas ‘tik’ means little dot, drop, point or to make dots.
3. Batik is a very old craft. It is presumed to be at least 2000 years old.
4. In India too Batik has a long history and probably the colourful garments depicted in frescos of Ajanta Caves  in the manner is suggestive of Batik on cotton.
5. The Nomadic tribes of Maharasthra, Gujarat and Rajasthan wear batik attire