Neerja Modi School Introduces Students to Rajasthan’s Textile Heritage Through Dabu Printing Workshop

Jaipur: Continuing its focus on experiential learning and cultural education, Neerja Modi School, Jaipur organised a hands-on Dabu Printing Workshop for its Grade VII students, offering them an opportunity to explore one of Rajasthan’s most distinctive traditional textile crafts.

The workshop was conducted by Dheeraj Chhipa from Bagru, a seventh-generation practitioner of the traditional Dabu printing craft. Through demonstrations and practical activities, students learnt about the centuries-old resist-printing technique and experienced how natural materials, traditional wooden blocks and indigenous craftsmanship come together to create intricate textile designs.

Students were introduced to the preparation and application of the traditional Dabu resist paste, made using locally sourced materials. They then used hand-carved wooden blocks to create their own patterns on fabric, experimenting with motifs inspired by Rajasthan’s rich artistic heritage. Peacocks, camels, butterflies and other traditional designs became a part of their creative exploration.

The workshop also highlighted the sustainable nature of traditional textile practices, helping students understand the use of natural materials and traditional dyeing methods. The interaction with a seventh-generation artisan gave students valuable insight into the patience, skill and generational knowledge required to preserve India’s traditional crafts.

A memorable collaborative activity saw two students create a butterfly design across two adjoining pieces of fabric, demonstrating how teamwork and precision can transform individual efforts into a single, meaningful creation.

The Dabu Printing Workshop at Neerja Modi School Jaipur went beyond an art activity, connecting students with Rajasthan’s living cultural heritage through hands-on learning. Such initiatives reflect the school’s commitment to providing students with enriching educational experiences that foster creativity, collaboration, sustainability and an appreciation of India’s cultural traditions.