Ajrak

Ajrak (Sindhi: اجرڪ) is a traditional block printed shawl worn by Sindhi people, usually by men, it is the symbol of Sindhi culture. Different patterns of Ajrak are made in different cities of Sindh which are known for Ajrak making,^[1] Kutch region has been historically influenced by Sindh, Ajrak on small scale are also produced there.^[2]

Traditional Ajrak

Description

Ajrak is a block printed cloth with deep crimson red color and indigo blue background, having symmetrical patterns with dotted unprinted sparkling white motifs, mostly stars. Ajrak is mostly made of cotton. The ajrak is very ancient art of Sindh traceable from the earliest archaeological finds of the old Indus civilization of Moen Jo-Dero. It has been equally popular till today.^[1]

The ajrak used by women was called as (Malir/Maleer) with so many designs, patterns and symbols, apart from traditional crimson red color, Malir can be of many other colors, it was used as chadar (veil) by Sindhi women, which is today used as veil, as dress and as Saris by women.^[3]

Ajrak in making