Block Print of Jammu and Kashmir
The town of Samba located on Pathankot highway in Jammu produces quality block printed textiles. Samba is about 40 kms from the main area of Jammu. Calico printed products are a great speciality of the local artisans of Jammu. Wooden blocks and vegetable dyes are used for block printing. The base cloth is cotton. Bed sheets, bed covers and floor coverings decorated with block prints are found in Jammu. Baramula, located in Kashmir is also renowned for its block prints. Table cloths, `dastarkhans` and block printed bed covers are favoured. Motifs of animals, birds, human figures, insects and flowers adorn the products in Kashmir. Hand block printing is also done extensively in Jammu.
Block Print of Punjab
Punjabi block printing is not as famous as that of Rajasthan, though it is quite praiseworthy. The local `Chhimba` community of Punjab, who comprise a group of textile artisans, are involved in printing `khaddar` clothes with the help of hand blocks. The printing patterns are usually geometrical and sometimes floral. Chemical dyes have replaced the traditional vegetable dyes, while the old patterns of block prints have transformed into modern designs of nets, mangoes and peacocks. Pastel shades and light colours are used in this craft. The technique of Punjabi block printing is simple and utilizes wooden blocks. Block printed materials in this region consist of handkerchiefs, cushion covers and bed covers are sold in Punjab.
Block Print of Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is one of the most significant portions of Northern India which produce various kinds of block printed articles in the country. `Butis`, `paisley` designs and the `Tree of Life` motifs are the most popular patterns used in this kind of prints. While the traditional motifs experimented with bold patterns and fine shapes, contemporary designs are influenced by the Muslim style of architecture. Calligraphy and inlay patterns of symmetrical trees are embedded into block print textiles and fabrics of Lucknow. `Chikan` embroidery crafts are also common in Uttar Pradesh. Indo-Persian style is reflected in the colourful block printed products of Jehingirabad. Intricate designs are done on the block prints of Tanda in this state. Dark blue and red colours are used against an indigo background in these block print products.
The style, technique and motifs of block prints of Northern India differ between various cities, and states, as well as the numerous local communities which are practised since ages. Colourful patterns deck up the block printed textiles, which are mostly motivated by Muslim architecture and Indo-Persian designs. Floor sheets, bed covers, handkerchiefs, sarees and several other products are available in the markets which are embellished with beautiful block prints.
