A Glorious journey of Roghan painting from Kutch

Abstract

The study was carried out to create awareness on the exquisite value of the ancient art of Roghan painting on fabric. This traditional art is slowly losing its value and is on the verge of extinction. This report would be a step towards improving the economic and social status of the people and help to preserve the cultural heritage of our country. Traditional method was compared with the method used today by craftsmen The objectives of the study were to analyze various aspects of the art of Roghan painting on fabric, practiced in the past and present, in terms of its origin, raw material used, motifs and designs used, preparation and application of Roghan paste in traditional style. Purposive sampling technique was used where all the craftsmen involved in Roghan painting, were interviewed during a survey at Nirona village in Kutch (Gujarat). Information regarding historic background of Roghan painting and its evolution was collected through literature and museum exhibits. With the passage of time, this traditional art has undergone many changes in raw material, its preparation, tools, fabric, colour, designs and the end products.