Resist Dyeing Techniques from South Asia

Bandhani Tie-Dye Technique

Bandhani is a type of Tie-Dyeing technique wherein the lighter, base fabric (typically cotton or silk) is tied into intricate patterns with strings, creating beautiful patterns when the prepared fabric is exposed to dyes. It is an ancient technique, practiced to this day in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat and parts of Tamil Nadu. According to Wikipedia, the earliest evidence of Bandhani dates back to Indus Valley civilization suggest that dyeing was done as early as 4000 B.C. The ancient city of Mohenjo-daro have traces of Bandhani art.

Ikat Resist Dyeing Technique

Ikat is another type of resist dyeing wherein the fibers are tied into bundles, exposing only some parts of the fiber to the dye. This resist dyed fiber is then woven into fabric to create intricate patterns. Although this technique is supposed to be Malay-Indonesian in origin, this type of fabric is found in many different countries of the world, including Japan, Vietnam, India, South America and several African countries.

Batik

Batik is a wax resist dyeing technique which likely originated in Indonesia, but is now found in many countries around the globe including Egypt, Southern China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka and more. In this technique, a resist pattern is created on a fabric using melted wax. The fabric is then dipped into a vat of dye, which is dried and set before removing the wax resist. Although the underlying concept is the same everywhere, every country has their own motifs and styles of Batik.