Sustaining Sanganeri Printing: Artisan Livelihoods, Technological Transformation and Challenges of Traditional Hand Block Printing in Jaipur

Name of Author : Dolly Chhatwal, Reena Roy

Abstract: Sanganeri hand block printing is important textile art and heritage associated with Sanganer town in Jaipur, Rajasthan and is renowned for its fine floral designs, complex designs, unique methods and rich craftsmanship. Much has, however, changed over the years for the craft and the traditional ways of producing it have been under pressure from mechanised printing, changes in the market, commercialisation, new design preferences and pressure on the craftsmens livelihoods. The present research speaks about the sustainability of Sanganeri printing with respect to the artisan livelihood, technological transformation, commercialisation and cultural identity and also the challenges faced by traditional hand block printing. Exploratory qualitative research is used and is a purely secondary source research. A thematic analysis is conducted on three types of documentation: government documentation, Geographical Indications records, and institutional craft documentation and published academic studies of Sanganeri and hand block printing from the Jaipur region. Sustainability of Sanganeri printing, the study concludes, cannot only be measured in the conservation of traditional motifs, or traditional production techniques. Continuity of craft is closely related to the economic viability of the artisans, and transmission of the know-how of special techniques, recognition of the artisanal labour, adaptation to the real needs of the design and recognition of the original hand block manufactured cloths. We found that, as per the existing literature, commercialisation and technological development have brought some opportunities and some challenges. Technology can help open the market and enhance designs, but also make more printers enter the market and weaken the economic status of traditional printers. The study proposes a sustainable development of Sanganeri printing technical, cultural and artisanal aspects along with geographical aspects, which should be in equilibrium with technology adaptation. Transparent labelling, artisan visibility, design collaboration, digital storytelling, skill transmission and market oriented innovation can help to enable this living textile tradition to be sustainable.

Keywords : Sanganeri printing, hand block printing, artisan livelihoods, technological transformation, cultural heritage, commercialisation, Jaipur, sustainability

DOI :