A visionary and a master craftsman, Abdul Jabbar Khatri has been instrumental in reviving the traditional craft of Ajrakh hand block printing. His efforts and passion, alongside that of his father and sons, have ensured that Ajrakh garnered worldwide prominence and lots of love.

Abdul Jabbar was born to the late Khatri Mohamed Sidik of Dhamadka (Kutch, Gujarat). It was under his tutelage that the young boy embarked on his craftsmanship journey at the tender age of 5. The Khatris are credited with being the visionary pioneers of Ajrakh and ensuring it did not fade away.

Ajrakh is a traditional technique that involves printing fabric using hand-carved wooden blocks and natural dyes. It’s an eco-friendly practice known for its sustainability and zero waste approach! 

Ajrakh became the canvas on which Abdul Jabbar would go on to create masterpieces!

The Journey of a Master Craftsman: From Accolades to Global Recognition 

Through years of relentless hard work and unwavering commitment, Abdul Jabbar honed his Ajrakh block printing skills. He not only mastered the craft but also pushed its boundaries by introducing new designs and forms. His creativity knows no bounds, as he has developed hundreds of innovative designs. He is also credited with reviving the double-sided Ajrakh printing.

Abdul Jabbar’s exceptional talent has not gone unnoticed. In 2003, the Government of India honored him with a National Craft Award, recognizing his mastery of block printing with natural dyes. His fame transcended borders as he received a UNESCO Seal of Excellence in 2008, an Innovation and Creativity in Craft award from the Government of Oman in 2011, and, most recently, an Award for Excellence in Handicrafts from the World Crafts Council in 2014.

His textiles have found homes in prestigious museum collections worldwide, including the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London, the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, and the Textile Museum in Washington D.C. His craftsmanship has been showcased at international exhibitions and cultural events, leaving a lasting impression on audiences, notably at the V&A in 2007 and in Oman in 2012.

Passing on the Legacy of Craftsmanship

Abdul Jabbar’s contributions extend beyond his own workshop. His expertise also extends to experimenting with new materials, creating natural colors that elevate his craft. His precision in carving wooden blocks reflects his profound sense of geometry, evident in his special masterpiece artworks.

Abdul Jabbar’s passion for his craft has been passed down through generations. He operates his printing workshop in Dhamadka, alongside his elder son Adam and younger son Nauman, ensuring that the legacy of Ajrakh block printing continues to flourish. His journey is a true testament to the power of dedication, creativity, and tradition! 

Abdul Jabbar Khatri’s work has not only preserved a cherished craft but also elevated it to new heights, earning him a well-deserved place among the world's foremost artisans.

Adam, and his younger brother Nauman, are the 10th generation of traditional Ajrakh painters, a legacy passed onto them from their grandfather, Khatri Mohamed Sidik, and their father, Abdul Jabbar Mohammad Khatri.

Adam began his journey as an artisan at a young age. At the age of 5, he started learning the craft from his grandfather. Adam's passion for the artistry of traditional Ajrakh printing is not only a personal endeavor but also a vision for the future. He understands the importance of passing on this invaluable heritage to the generations that follow. 

Adam completed a 1-year diploma course in textile design from National Institute of Fashion Design (NIFD), Bhuj. His accolades include the prestigious Best Designer Award, Best Wearable Garment Award, and Best Fabric Award from NIFD, Bhuj (2005), and a National Award by the Government of India in 2011. 

Preserving Tradition With a Contemporary Twist

Adam's experiences as an artisan have been guided by a profound belief in the importance of preserving tradition while infusing it with contemporary ideas. He possesses an in-depth understanding of traditional block patterns and meticulously translates them to meet modern-day requirements. His relentless pursuit of process and precision has been the hallmark of his craft.

In addition to his regular workshop productions, Adam's passion for the craft extends to self-initiated projects that involve extensive research and development of new shades of natural dyes and pattern designs. His curiosity and creative brainstorming have allowed him to bring a contemporary touch to the traditional craft, making it relevant not only in India but also in homes around the world.

Adam thrives on collaboration with designers, viewing each challenge as an opportunity to expand the horizons of the craft. His commitment to lifelong learning and an exploratory approach, coupled with technical finesse, consistently yield remarkable results. He believes that learning should be a perpetual journey, and his work exemplifies this philosophy.

Nurturing the Craft for Generations to Come

Beyond his remarkable achievements, Adam is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of designers. He has served as a mentor at the Indenium School of Responsible Design (a school of design offering specializations in Indigo, Denim, and Sustainability, headquartered in Dharamshala, India) since 2020. His dedication to education spans 15 years, conducting hands-on natural dyeing and printing workshops for students from various institutes, including NID Ahmedabad.

Adam has also taken his expertise global, leading workshops at the Maiwa School of Textiles (Canada) in 2017 and 2019. His passion for sustaining cultural heritage led him to participate as a key speaker in a panel discussion curated by Eiluned Edwards at Craft Revival Trust, India, in 2017. In 2022, he initiated the groundbreaking project “Ajrakh Koydo,” designing a puzzle that celebrates the Ajrakh craft and is now a registered trademark with patenting in progress. 

Adam's dedication to preserving tradition while embracing contemporary ideas has not only elevated the craft but has also opened doors to new and exciting collaborations. With his unwavering commitment and fondness for the Ajrakh art, Adam Khatri is helping shape the future of Ajrakh printing, making it a cherished part of modern-day homes in India and across the world. He is leading by example right from his home, where his children are also learning the art of Ajrakh making.

Nauman's journey as an artisan also began at the young age of 5, when he began discovering the intricacies of Ajrakh block printing from his grandfather, the late Khatri Mohamed Sidik. His dedication to the craft led him to obtain a prestigious 1-year Artisan-Designer Graduation Certificate from Kala Raksha Vidhyalaya (Kutch) in 2011, where his talents earned him the Best Marketing Award!

For Nauman, his family heritage is not just a privilege, but a solemn responsibility and an exciting challenge. Generations have worked tirelessly to bring this traditional art form to the forefront, and Nauman is determined to add more luster to this radiant legacy.

When Art Meets Innovation

Nauman firmly believes that to be a skilled artisan, one must first grasp tradition and then infuse it with contemporary creativity. He has immersed himself in studying the time-honored block patterns, adapting them to meet the needs of the modern world. His relentless pursuit of process and precision has been the cornerstone of his craft, resulting in over a decade of hands-on experience.

Professionally, Nauman excels in understanding clients' requirements and translating them into tangible samples and productions. The esteemed clientele he manages includes Taneira (by Tata), Good Earth, Gamthi Print Cottage, Maiwa Hand Prints, Reliance, Farida Gupta, and many more.

Beyond his professional commitments, Nauman's creative spirit thrives in personal exploration. He constantly experiments with diverse patterns and colors to create unique looks. His innovative approach extends to merging traditional techniques like Shibori with block printing and exploring various fibers and fabrics for printing and dyeing.

Continuing the Artistic Journey

Nauman's approach to his craft is characterized by a hands-on orientation, self-exploration, unwavering attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering results with precision and punctuality. With over a decade of experience and a profound respect for tradition, Nauman Khatri is poised to continue elevating the art of Ajrakh block printing, ensuring its relevance and vibrancy for generations to come!