Bandhej

Only one family in Roopangarh in Ajmer district in Rajasthan continues to practice the traditional craft of bandhej, or tie and dye. Also known as bandhani, bandhej dates back nearly 5000 years.

Fine threads are wrapped tightly around small pinches of fabric to create an intricate pattern once the fabric is dyed. Traditional dye materials include indigo for dark blues and turmeric for bright yellows. The women specialize in tying and the men in dying the fabric.