The Ties of Time
Bandhej or Bandhani, one of the oldest forms of tie and dye, is a meditative and treasured craft practice of the Indian subcontinent. The etymology of the word Bandhani is Baandh — which literally translates to — to tie. The process involves tying small knots into the fabric before dyeing the fabric, which when opened creates intricate patterns and motifs all over. Often it is a cluster of patterns with hidden meaning, vibrant colour combinations and alluring twirls. Given that it is a laborious task, it is the women in the family who do the tying of the knots in the fabric, while the men are in charge of the dyeing. Traditionally, the dyes used were created by the artisans themselves, using herbs, minerals and natural pigments.
Regarding the origin of the practice of making bandhanis, legend has it that a saint was once passing by a Khatri family’s home, and they welcomed him inside, offering a freshly cooked meal. As a blessing for prosperity, the saint gave them a tied handkerchief. The khatris were traditional dyers, and the handkerchief invariably ended up in a dye vat. When the knot was opened later, a beautiful design had been formed. Today a few families continue to prosper in Kutch, thanks to Bandhani.
Read the full story on this age-old meditative craft of tie-dyeing, its legendary origin and its contemporary, sustainable revival by brands today, on MAP’s website.
