Dabu is a mud-resist hand-block printing process practised primarily in Rajasthan. The end result is a print with a sublime quality and unique appearance. In the making of these printed fabrics, there are a string of manual processes and hard work involved to achieve the end result. The process uses lots of natural dyes and vegetable pastes, making it environmentally non-toxic.
The process begins with the mixing of a special type of clay paste called “dhabu”. A design is then sketched onto the background cloth and this design is covered with the special clay with the help of wooden blocks, after which saw dust is sprinkled. The saw dust sticks to the cloth as the clay dries. The cloth is then ready to be dyed in the chosen colours. The designs covered by the dhabu remain colourless and once the dyeing process is complete, the cloth is dried and then washed to remove the clay mixture. This cloth can now be dyed in a lighter colour to give the patterns some colour as well. It is such a lengthy and labour-intensive process, but the end result is more than worth it! What you get is a piece of Indian heritage which can’t be replicated by machine and a beautiful garment to wear as well!
