The Enduring Elegance of Rogan Art: A Persian Legacy in Kutch, India
Exploring the History, Techniques, and Challenges of This Ancient Textile Art Form
Kehana 
Originating in Persia, rogan art is a distinctive and age-old textile art style that is currently mostly done in Nirona village, Kutch, Gujarat, India. The translation of the word "Rogan" is "oil-based," which is a crucial component in the development of this art form.
The Method:
1. Rogan preparation: Castor oil is boiled for approximately two days to produce a jelly-like consistency. After that, this jelly is kept in water to keep it from drying out.
2. Making the Colors: Stones are used to create natural colors such as red, yellow, white, blue, and green, which are then combined with water to create a paste. After adding the castor oil jelly, the paste is kept soft by soaking it in water.
3.Creating the Motifs:The artist uses a metal rod to knead the paint paste on their palm in order to create the motifs. Their hand's heat softens the paste, enabling it to be twisted into elaborate patterns and pictures.
4.Printing the Design: To produce a mirror image of the design, the artist folds the cloth in half and applies pressure.
5. Drying and Detailing: To finish the artwork, elaborate embellishments are applied after the fabric has been allowed to dry in the sun.
Important Features of Rogan Art:
Detailed Designs: Rogan art is renowned for its detailed and elaborate designs, which frequently include calligraphic, geometric, and floral elements.
lively Colors: A lively and striking aesthetic is produced by utilizing natural colors.
Mirror Image Technique: The artwork's intricacy and beauty are enhanced by the special method of producing mirror images. Limited Practitioners: Only a small number of families in Nirona village continue to practice rogan art, making it a dying art form.
What Makes Rogan Art Unique?
Unique Technique: Making Rogan art is a special procedure that calls for a great deal of accuracy and talent.
Cultural Significance: It symbolizes a rich cultural history and custom.
Handcrafted Beauty: Every Rogan artwork is a one-of-a-kind and priceless work of art because it is handcrafted.
I suggest visiting the Nirona hamlet in Kutch, Gujarat, or looking for internet materials and films on this intriguing art form if you're interested in knowing more about Rogan art.
Are you interested in learning more about Rogan art's past or current struggles?
