Shakirbhai Banglawala has spent 30 years reviving the Chhipa community's traditional Sodagari block-print heritage. Alongside his daughter, Dr. Ireena, he empowers women through craft training.
Shakirbhai Banglawala has dedicated over 30 years to reviving Sodagari Blockprint. He works to preserve the Chhipa community's textile heritage while empowering women through block-printing training. Alongside his daughter, Dr. Ireena Banglawala, he continues promoting the craft nationally and internationally.
Ahmedabad Sodagari Block Print is a textile printing craft known for intricate geometric and floral motifs. Artisans use carved wooden blocks to print designs onto cotton fabric, with separate blocks used for different colours. The process demands precision, time and considerable labour, making it a distinctive part of Gujarat’s textile heritage.
Jamalpur, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is an important centre for traditional block printing and hand-dyeing. The area is associated with the Chhipa community, whose textile-printing skills contribute to Ahmedabad's rich craft heritage. Jamalpur continues to preserve traditional printing practices and supporting local artisan livelihoods.
Traditionally, Sodagari prints were applied to fabric for export. Today, the craft is being explored through contemporary product development, extending beyond printed fabric into fashion applications. Sarees, apparel and other textile products offer opportunities to introduce its intricate designs to new audiences.
Sodagari Block Print developed through Ahmedabad's historic textile trade, with printed fabrics exported to markets in Persia and Arabia. Named after the merchants who traded these textiles, the craft gradually declined with industrialisation. Today, artisan families, including the Banglawalas, are working to revive its intricate designs and sustain its traditional knowledge.
Contact : +91-9998236585
Instagram: @sodagari.blockprint
