Vidarbha:Part 18

 

I recently posted a picture of a Vidarbha tussar in lime green color taken at the resort near Kanha National Park. 

This saree has what is known as the Bagh print.

Bagh print originates in the state of Madhya Pradesh which is in close proximity of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. For various reasons such as education for the kids, financial opportunities etc skilled workers often migrate across state borders. Many such families who have traditionally done fabric printing have moved into Vidarbha from adjoining states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. These communities are called the Bavasars. 

The tools used for fabric printing are mostly blocks made out of sheesam wood or brass. Mostly natural dyes are put to use in this printing. 

This lime green saree that I am wearing again is perfect example of local Vidarbha grown tussar woven by local weavers, followed by dyeing the woven product with turmeric based natural dyes and printed by the Bavasars in Vidarbha using the Bagh technique from the adjoining state of Madhya Pradesh. A perfect example of National Integration ! Also note, versatility of Karvati Kinar sarees extends to its non karvati Vidarbha tussar cousins as well. It’s all in one big family ! 

This concludes the series on Vidarbha sarees. Hope I could bring to your attention that Maharashtra handloom is much more diverse than just the Paithani. It has a rich tradition that extends on many fronts besides handlooms. That will be for another time.