- A word of Persian origin, Rogan means oil.
- Castor oil is heated and cast into cold water and the thick residue is then mixed with natural colours.
- Then, using a stylus or blocks, this resultant paint is meticulously transferred on to a cloth to make floral, animal (peacock) and geometric patterns.
- The weather and density of the mix play an important role.
- Colours and freehand motifs look attractive.
- The months between July and September bring rains to Nirona village of the Kutch region in Gujarat.
- Along with the monsoon come hordes of college students wanting to experience, through craft workshops, a slice of the ancient Rogan art of fabric printing.
- The pandemic has made the village go silent, with no students or researchers.
- When a centuries-old tradition of hand painting on cloth, Rogan art — practised by the Khatris.
- The Khatris are the surviving custodians of the art form.
