The History of Bagh Print Fabric and Its Trends in Modern Fashion

The intricate floral and geometrical pattern created on a cloth and coloured with natural vegetable dye is what makes Bagh print fabric unique from other weaves and patterns in India. This age-old pattern making form has today expanded its roots to many contemporary outfits like jackets, suits, salwar, dupattas, and shawls. Here’s how the story of Bagh print fabric goes.

Bagh is a village in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. From here comes one of the oldest forms of wood-block printing technique–the Bagh print. This print got its name from the village where it is mainly practiced today. Although it has been estimated that the Bagh print is at least a thousand years old, the precise beginnings of this printing method remain a mystery. The Bagh print, which is famous for its geometrical pattern and floral designs, is created by using wood that has been carefully polished, given a fine pattern, and coloured using vegetable dyes. To learn more about Bagh print, let's take a closer look at the printing method that are used and the culture that surrounds it in Madhya Pradesh.

Origin and History of Bagh Print Fabric

There are many legends that attempt to explain where the word "Bagh" came from. The early tribes were skilled in this form of pattern and fabric making and practiced it. It is thought that the Buddhist caves known as Bagh Gupha, which were found for the first time in 1818 AD, are how the area got its name. It would appear that history has no record of these caverns because Buddhism died out in the central region of India by the 10th century A.D., at which point these caves were forgotten. As the surrounding forests became more dense, tigers, which are called "Bagh" in Hindi, frequently made their home in the caverns. The name "tigers" originally referred to these animals because of their affinity with caverns. The name "Bagh" was given to the settlement that is located around 8 kilometres away, while the name "Baghini" was given to the river that flows close by the cave. Both of these places are now known as "Bagh" There are a lot of people who believe that the caverns got their name from the river and the settlement, and that the craft got its name from the river and the village. Another tale that has been passed down about the history of bagh print is as follows: According to a different legend, the Khatri people of Bagh and Kutch are thought to have a shared ancestry, having originated in the region of Sindh. While some people chose to remain in Dhamadka and later Ajrakhpur and carry on the tradition of Ajrakh printing, others travelled farther towards the centre of the Deccan region and established themselves in Bagh, which is located in Madhya Pradesh. The similarities between the crafts, both in terms of the procedure that was followed and the materials that were used, are evidence that they are the same.

The Importance of Bagh Print in Tribal Culture

In the Dhar region's tribal populations, the Bagh print is revered for both cultural and religious reasons. Bagh prints are used by the Adivasis (tribes) for big festivals and special events like marriages. These prints are characterised by their use of the colours red, black, and white, as well as religious images. The spiritual rituals of the indigenous peoples of the area frequently included the use of Bagh. As a result of this, sacred animal motifs, such as cows and elephants, were incorporated into their prints.

The Bagh Print Fabric and Pattern In Modern Era

Once worn only as lenghas and ghagras, Bagh print has today spread its roots to many contemporary forms of clothing, like jackets, suits, salwars and many more. Because of its airy nature and pleasant feel, this fabric was frequently found in tribal homes. There, it served a variety of purposes, including that of a cradle liner and bed cover. Today, its functions may also be found in products such as curtains, lampshades, screens, cushion covers, and wall pieces. Moreover, it can be woven into intricate patterns.

Achieving an Everyday Look with Bagh Print Fabric

Go for a long jacket in a fabric with a Bagh print if you are the type of person who enjoys blending modern fashion with more traditional elements. This long jacket is versatile enough to be worn over a kurta, as well as a top and trousers. This outfit will give you a semi-formal appearance and is appropriate not just for going out but also for going to the office. How can we not include the timeless saree when discussing the culture and fashion of India? It's true that Bagh print sarees are just as popular as any other item of clothing manufactured from this fabric. The sarees with the Bagh print can be given a more formal appearance by being nicely draped and having the pleats and pallu fastened. And if you want it to have a more laid-back vibe, just let the pallu hang loose and wear it with a classy blouse. In India and beyond, Bagh print suits and dupattas have always been and will continue to be a popular choice for fabric. The primary reason for this is that it can be easily shaped into a variety of different patterns and forms. After you get your Bagh print fabric stitched into a kurta that fits you well and paired with patiyala pants you will be ready to rock the office look.

Where to Shop for an Authentic Bagh Print Salwar Suit

Do not forget to stop by the Ethnic Element if you are seeking the most beautiful Bagh pattern salwar and dupatta. online Handloom weaves are available in a broad variety at Ethnic Element, which features a collection that was obtained directly from the weavers. If you want to stay up to date with the newest collection, make sure to follow the social media feeds on Facebook and Instagram.