Snapshot

• Why Bagh block prints are iconic: Bagh block printing, practiced in Bagh village of Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, is a centuries-old craft known for intricate hand-carved wooden blocks, vegetable dyes, and geometric floral motifs. The craft derives its name from the Bagh River, whose water’s unique mineral content is essential for achieving the rich colors and fastness that define these prints.
  
• Cultural heritage: Introduced by Khatri artisans centuries ago, Bagh prints are inspired by Mughal, Persian, and tribal motifs and are used in sarees, dupattas, yardage, and home textiles.
  
• Recognition: Registered as a Geographical Indication (GI) craft in 2008, Bagh prints are globally respected for their eco-friendly, artisanal production and luxury slow fashion positioning.
  

Product Range

Category	Key Products
Apparel Textiles	Sarees, dupattas, stoles, salwar-kurta sets, scarves.
Yardage Fabric	Cotton, silk, chiffon, and tussar fabric for couture and designers.
Home Furnishings	Bed covers, cushion covers, curtains, table linens.
Accessories	Bags, jackets, wraps, and luxury lifestyle products.
Designer Collaborations	Limited edition collections for sustainable fashion brands.

Craft Technique

Stage	Details
Block Carving	Hand-carved teakwood blocks, often featuring Mughal floral motifs, tribal patterns, and geometric designs.
Fabric Pre-treatment	Fabrics are soaked, washed, and treated with harada (myrobalan) to improve dye absorption.
Hand Block Printing	Artisans dip carved blocks in natural dyes and stamp them onto the fabric manually.
Natural Dyeing	Colors derived from alizarin (red), indigo (blue), iron rust (black), and other vegetable/mineral sources.
River Water Wash	Printed fabrics are washed in Bagh River water to achieve vibrant color fastness.
Sun Drying & Finishing	Fabrics are sun-dried, softened, and ironed for smoothness.

Key Feature: Each piece is 100% handmade, unique, and eco-friendly, embodying Mughal-Persian artistry fused with tribal aesthetics.

Materials & Sustainability

• Fabrics: Cotton, silk, mulberry, tussar, chiffon, and blends.
  
• Natural Dyes: Plant-based (indigo, turmeric, pomegranate rind) and mineral-based (iron, alum) dyes.
  
• Eco-Friendly Practice:
  
  • No synthetic dyes; water-efficient washing techniques.
    
  • Waste from block printing is biodegradable.
    
• Social Impact: Supports ~250 artisan families in Bagh village, sustaining a rural craft economy.
  

Cluster Infrastructure

• Artisan Community: The Khatri community specializes in Bagh prints; many artisans are national and state award winners.
  
• Geographical Belt: Bagh and nearby villages like Kukshi and Dhar are production centers.
  
• Institutional Support:
  
  • Bagh Print Cluster Development Program under MSME initiatives.
    
  • EPCH, TRIFED, and State Handloom & Handicraft Development Corporation support exports.
    
  • NGOs and designer collaborations bring Bagh prints to global fashion shows.
    
• Tourism Link: Bagh is emerging as a craft tourism destination, where travelers witness block carving and dyeing processes.
  

Compliance & Certifications

• GI Tag: Bagh Hand Block Prints registered under GI Act in 2008.
  
• Handloom Mark: Verifies authenticity of handloom-based fabrics used.
  
• Natural Dye Certification: Eco-label and AZO-free dye certifications for exports.
  
• Fair-Trade Practices: Several artisan families work under cooperatives ensuring fair wages.
  

Production Timelines & MOQs

Product Type	Sampling Lead Time	Bulk Lead Time	MOQ Guidance
Sarees, Dupattas, Stoles	10–14 days	6–8 weeks	25–50 pcs/style
Yardage Fabric	7–10 days	4–6 weeks	100–200 meters/style
Home Furnishings (covers, linens)	10–14 days	6–8 weeks	50–100 pcs/style
Custom Collections	2–3 weeks	8–10 weeks	Made-to-order

Branding & Packaging

• Branding: GI tags, QR-coded artisan profiles, eco-certification labels.
  
• Packaging:
  
  • Acid-free tissue and recycled paper wraps.
    
  • Fabric rolls packed in moisture-proof cartons for export.
    
  • Luxury branding emphasizes heritage, sustainability, and artisanal value.
    

Quality Control (IndiaUnbox Protocol)

• Color Fastness: Wash, rub, and light exposure tests for natural dyes.
  
• Print Accuracy: Alignment and repeat pattern checks for hand stamping.
  
• Fabric Testing: GSM and tensile strength validation for export standards.
  
• Finishing QC: Edge hemming, shrinkage control, and crease-free packing.
  

Price Drivers

• Base fabric type (cotton vs silk blends).
  
• Motif complexity and number of block impressions.
  
• Natural dyeing stages (multiple dye baths add labor costs).
  
• Artisan pedigree (national award-winning artisans command premium pricing).
  

Buyer Confidence Signals

• GI-Certified Craft: Guarantees origin and authenticity of Bagh prints.
  
• Sustainable Appeal: 100% handmade, natural dyes, and water-efficient processes.
  
• Global Market Fit: Preferred by ethical fashion labels, luxury décor brands, and museum stores.
  
• Traceable Supply Chain: QR-code branding allows buyers to trace every piece back to its artisan and village.