Ajrakh, a traditional form of block-printed textile found in the regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan in India and Sindh in Pakistan, has a history that can be traced back over 4,000 years, with references found even in the ruins of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. The word Ajrakh, derived from the Arabic word for blue, Azrak, reflects the dominant color used in these textiles. However, today artisans have experimented with many other vibrant hues.
Originally, Ajrakh was primarily worn by the pastoral and nomadic communities . The intricate geometric and floral patterns not only add beauty to the fabric but also acts as a form of identity for different tribes. Ajrakh's making involves a time-consuming process, including pre-treating the fabric with natural dyes, printing the designs using hand-carved wooden blocks, and repeated cycles of dyeing and washing to achieve the vibrant colors and distinct patterns.