Ajrakh can trace its roots back to 16th century ancestors who came to India from Sindh, bringing with the craft of printing with them. Against the dull canvas of the Kachchh desert, the rich and bold colours of the textiles are strikingly displayed. Ajrakh print or Ajrakh block printing carries many meanings. The popular story amongst local printers is that Ajrakh means “aaj rakh” i.e “keep it today”. It is also linked to azrakh, the Arabic word for indigo. In addition, A blue plant which thrived in the arid ecology of Kachchh until the 1956 earthquake. 2001's devastating earthquake severely damaged Bhuj, Dhamadka and other villages and towns all over the Kachchh region. In the wake of this tragedy, the Khatris were brought closer together and a new village was created to rebuild their lives and their craft production, aptly named Ajrakhpur. Today there are Khatris living and working in both villages.
