Workshop-3: ‘Mendh ki Chappai’

A two-days workshop on ‘Mendh ki Chappai’ was organised by the Textile and Clothing Research Centre (TCRC), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Crafts & Design (IICD) at IICD, Jaipur, Rajasthan on 2^nd-3^rd March 2019. The experience of this hands-on workshop was overwhelming, as fifty-four persons of all age groups from student, teaching faculty and art enthusiasts participated and worked together to learn and appreciate this distinctive technique.

Mendh ki Chappai is one of the age-old printing techniques practiced with natural colours on cotton textiles in the town of Sanganer, Rajasthan. The purpose of the workshop was to understand the traditional process of Mendh Printing and to reach out to more and more people to make them aware of this heritage craft. It included presentations, film screening and demonstrations by research scholars and artisans.

The workshop was divided into lecture and demonstration sessions. And then time was given for the hands- on experience to the participants.

Resource persons for the workshop were Ms. Sonal Gaur, who has undertaken a Ph.D. on ‘Mendh Printing’ from Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi; Mr. Awdhesh Kumar, who has carried on this unique handcrafted textile in traditional ways since generations; and Ms Shalu Rustagi, research scholar from IIICD, Jaipur.

Ms. Sonal Gaur addressing audiences during preliminary session

Participants attending workshop

Mr. Awadhesh Kumar explaining materials used in Mendh Ki Chhappai

A Selfie with the poster announcing workshop on ‘Mendh Ki Chappai” (from left to right) Dr. Binoy Sahay, Dr. Anamika Pathak, Dr Simmi Bhagat(in foreground) & Ms. Smita Singh

Dr Binoy Kumar Sahay trying his hand, while preparing Indigo Dye

Dr. Simmi Bhagat displays “ Mendh ki Chappai” on a piece of cloth with indigo dye

Dr. Binoy Sahay presenting certificate to a participant

Ms. Smita Singh trying her hand on “ Mendh ki Chappai.”