The story
Kutch's pastoral and artisan communities developed distinct crafts: Khatri families print ajrakh with natural dyes, Rabari and other communities embroider, and Vankar weavers make woollen and cotton shawls. After the 2001 earthquake, many artisans rebuilt their workshops in new villages such as Ajrakhpur near Bhuj. Tourism to the Rann and design schools have brought new buyers.
In numbers
No published source we could open prints current numbers for this cluster.
GI tag
- Kutch EmbroideryApplication no. GI Application No. 103Registration details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India)
- Kachchh ShawlsApplication no. GI Application No. 174Registration details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India)
- Kutch AjrakhApplication no. GI Application No. 1050Registration details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India)
- Kutch BandhaniApplication no. GI Application No. 756Registration details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India)
- Kutch Rogan CraftApplication no. GI Application No. 718Registration details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India)
Ways in for a newcomer
- Selling artisan products online with GI labels
- Design collaborations with fashion brands
- Craft tourism and homestays
- Natural dye supply
Problems the cluster faces
- Cheap screen-printed imitations
- Young people leaving the craft
- Water scarcity for dyeing
Businesses to start here
Hand Block Printing Unit (Printed Suits) →Handloom and Handicrafts Retail Shop →Online Folk Art and Art Gallery Marketplace →Homestay (Bed and Breakfast) →Community-Based Village Tourism →