Jaipur is famous for its palaces and forts, but some of the most enriching experiences are found in places less crowded. One such destination is the Anokhi Museum of Handprinting, offering an in-depth look into the artistic traditions of block printing, which has been a part of Rajasthan’s culture for generations.
Set in a beautifully restored haveli near Amber Fort, the museum brings this living art to light. If you’re interested in history and textiles or simply want to see something original, this museum gives you a chance to explore something unique and inspiring during your visit to Jaipur.
Table of Contents
- History of the Anokhi Museum
- What Makes Hand Block Printing Special?
- Inside the Anokhi Museum
- Highlight Exhibits and Arts on Display
- Wrapping Up
History of the Anokhi Museum
The Anokhi Museum of Handprinting was founded by Rachel Bracken-Singh and her husband, Pritam Singh, who are also behind the well-known textile brand Anokhi. Their vision was to preserve and promote traditional handblock printing, which was slowly being replaced by machine-based production.
The museum officially opened in 2005 in a restored 16th-century haveli called Chanwar Palkiwalon ki Haveli. The restoration took over three years and was carried out using original materials and methods to protect the heritage of the building.
This effort won a UNESCO award for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The museum’s goal is to create awareness about this art and support local artisans by giving their work the respect and platform it deserves.
To reach this heritage site easily, many visitors prefer booking a car rental in Jaipur, which makes it convenient to explore the lesser-known areas of the city.
What Makes Hand Block Printing Special?
Block printing is one of the oldest textile traditions in India. It involves using hand-carved wooden blocks to stamp designs onto cloth.
What makes it special is the amount of care and skill needed at every step. The method is slow, and each item is unique because it is crafted by hand.
The museum displays the final printed fabrics and also explains the printing process in detail. It introduces visitors to various regional styles from Rajasthan and neighbouring states.
Here are some of the techniques and processes explained through exhibits:
- Carving of blocks: Using simple tools to chisel detailed designs onto teakwood
- Natural dye making: Extracting colours from plants, minerals, and even rust
- Printing steps: Starting with outline blocks and layering colour blocks
- Washing and finishing: Using traditional river-wash techniques to fix colours
A pre-booked taxi service in Jaipur makes it convenient to travel between craft-based attractions and textile hubs comfortably.
Inside the Anokhi Museum
Each floor of the museum tells a different part of the story. The experience is highly visual and interactive, designed to help visitors understand each stage of the printing process.
Unlike many museums, this one is not overcrowded or overwhelming. It is clean and calm, and lets you enjoy the work at your own pace.
The museum is open 6 days of the week, except Monday, from 10:30 AM to 5 PM, so plan your visit accordingly. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:
- Introduction Gallery: Covers the history of block printing and how it began in India.
- Technique Rooms: Showcases tools, dyes, carved blocks, and in-process fabrics.
- Demonstration Room: Often hosts live printing sessions by skilled artisans.
- Contemporary Design Section: Displays how modern designers are using ancient methods.
- Craftsman Profiles: Tells stories of local printers and their family legacies.
If you want to spend extra time appreciating these displays, it helps to have a flexible schedule. Booking a full-day car rental in Jaipur gives you that flexibility while exploring Jaipur’s artistic side.
Highlight Exhibits and Arts on Display
One of the strengths of the museum is the way it celebrates both traditional and evolving art. The permanent and temporary exhibitions cover a range of themes, from ancient royal designs to experimental modern prints.
Some of the standout displays include:
- Ajrakh and Bagru styles: Known for their use of deep indigo and symmetrical patterns
- Sanganeri prints: Floral patterns made using red, blue, and yellow dyes
- Tribal-inspired motifs: Designs drawn from local stories and symbols
- Eco-friendly experiments: New collections using organic fabric and plant-based dyes
- Fashion and clothing: Garments designed by Indian and international artists using hand-block techniques
To easily move from this museum to nearby artisan stores or the Amber Fort, hiring a taxi service in Jaipur can save time and make the journey more relaxing.
Wrapping Up
The Anokhi Museum of Handprinting is a rare place where tradition, design, and education come together. It is perfect for anyone looking to understand more about Indian crafts without stepping into a classroom. The museum offers something to learn, something to see, and something to carry home in the form of knowledge and inspiration.
For a smooth and well-planned visit, consider travelling with Savaari Car Rentals. Their trusted car services let you explore Jaipur with comfort and ease, so you can spend more time learning and less time planning.
