Author(s): Neeraj Rawat Sharma and Suman Pant

Abstract:
Rajasthan is famous for traditional hand block printing. Hand block printing industry, like other cottage industries, is an unorganized, decentralized and labour intensive. The beauty of block printing is heavily dependent on water sources thus the business activities spurge near water resources like Sanganer, Bagru, Akola, Barmer etc. At present Mendh craft is practiced by some artisan families in Bagru and Sanganer in Rajasthan. Mendhkichappai, is a sparsely known art practiced by Chippa community. Some of the strengths of this craft are availability of abundant & cheap labour, use of local resources, low capital investment and unique printing technique. In spite of the strengths, the industry faces a number of problems such as low education level, lack of modern infrastructure, marketing acumen, inadequate finance and lack of awareness about government programs.