India's hand block printers struggle amid competition and Covid-19 pandemic

The pandemic has dealt another blow to this small community of hand block printers already under pressure from more modernised forms of block printing, like screen or digital. ST PHOTO: NIRMALA GANAPATHY
Mr Gurucharan Kodehra in his hand block printing unit in Sanganer in Rajasthan ST PHOTO: NIRMALA GANAPATHY
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SANGANER, RAJASTHAN - In a dingy and cluttered hall, an artisan stamps a piece of carved wood dipped in blue dye on a piece of fabric, leaving behind a pattern of flowers and leaves.

The cloth, colourful and delicate in contrast to the drab surroundings, comes to life as his skilful hands go up and down the length of the fabric.

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