Mud Resist Printing of Kaladera

Mud Resist Printing of Kaladera
Kaladera is a small village about 40 kms away from Jaipur. While it is known for its Coca Cola Plant in modern times, it was known for its traditional mud resist printing, called Chaubundi. Kaladera has its own set of caste systems. A village neatly divided on the basis of religion and work, it does have its collection of havelis, owned by banias, some of whom made loads of money trading in Assam and Calcutta in early twentieth century. The Chippas, the printing caste, printed traditionally for the ghaghras, to be worn by women of all castes. Now the block printing has transferred itself onto Sarees, T Shirts, Skirts, Table Runners and other furnishings, et al. Though Bagru remains the chief centre of block printing, Kaladera has made its own name in the practice of this craft of natural dyeing and mud-resist.	Courtesy People Tree Courtesy People Tree Courtesy People Tree Courtesy People Tree Neel ki durrie
The process of the mud resist printing is fairly elaborate. A viscious paste of clay, lime, tree gum and insect eaten wheat is made and is called 'Dabu'. The block, which is made of wood, is dipped into dabu and imprinted on the cloth, depending upon the design. The outline print known as "rekh" is either left empty or printed with another color "datta" and then developed in alizarin dye in copper vessels. Sawdust is thrown on dabu to dry it faster. Once it dries, the cloth is then dyed in the required color and then ashd with ample waer to remove the impurities. The dyes and the process make it an ecological and environment friendly product and also a very popular fashion.