Handicrafts of Ujjain include the numerous types of prints and fabrics which are manufactured in the city of Ujjain, and are in high demand throughout the nation. The craftsmen of Ujjain, which is a city located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, are dexterous in different kinds of arts and crafts. The region of Bhairavgarh in the banks of Kshipra River has been the most crucial centre for the expert work of craftsmen since centuries, due to the existence of favourable chemical composition of its water and soil. The `bhagava` cloak of the hermit or `Sanyasi` is one of the most famous Keshria apparel of this area, which is believed to have been utilized by the valiant soldiers. The craftsmen used to be patronized by the State Government of Madhya Pradesh.
Bhairavgarh Print of Ujjain
The tradition of Bhairavgarh print had commenced with the aide of blocks and were made of potatoes and `bandhej`. Later, blocks of wood or soil were employed in the Bhairavgarh Print. The technique of screen printing procedure was used which provided occupation to more than 150 families of the village of Bhairavgarh. The practice of dying is a serious threat to this form of craft, yet the regional craftsmen of Ujjain have been capable of keeping this ancient tradition alive till the present day.
Bandhej Print of Ujjain
Bandhej print is characterized by the application of `Laharia` and `Chunari` on the surface of the garments. Points are marked on the cloth as the imagination and knots are tied with the help of threads at every point, which is the main feature of this art-form. Light as well as darker colours are employed and if there are more than a single colour, the same process is repeated for each colour. Since the process involves tying knots with threads, the style is referred to as `Bandhej`.
Block Print of Ujjain
Initially blocks of potato were utilized in the technique of block printing, which later included the process of employing wooden blocks. Dress materials, sarees and bed-sheets replaced the Jajam, Godra, Bhairavgarh Lugda. Special teak wood was the surface on which the blocks used to be carved and various kinds of wooden blocks were used for creating unique colour combinations. The most challenging art of the printing process was the composition of colours, which depends on the type of material on which they are printed. Nandana, Discharge Print, Alijardin, Chemical and T.C. Bagru were amongst the popular prints.
Chemical Print of Ujjain
Chemical colours, particularly natural colours are used for the process of dying and printing. Numerable kinds of printing procedures are employed for accomplishing such type of prints. Rapid Colour, Indigo Sol, Discharge Print, T.C. Bagru, Tin Chloride are the many methods of chemical prints.
Batik Print of Ujjain
Batik Print is quite popular craft existent in Ujjain and many bed sheets, sarees, wall panels, portraits, dress materials, etc. contain the rich batik prints. Hot melted wax was utilized for this form of batik print, which was completed with the aide of brush or pen for the purpose of dying.
Screen Print of Ujjain
In screen printing, a mould is prepared on the surface of a metal frame is employed to create excellent screen prints. Photo sensitive chemicals are applied over the clothes after the cloth is bolted.
