Home of the Ajrakh — a 4,000-year-old hand block printing tradition from the Indus Valley civilization. Just 12 km from Bhuj, this village was rebuilt after the 2001 earthquake by the legendary Khatri family who have practiced this craft for 9+ generations.
Ajrakpur is a small but extraordinary village just 12-15 km from Bhuj on the Bhuj-Gandhidham Highway (NH-42). It is the modern home of the Khatri community — master artisans who have preserved the ancient Ajrakh hand block printing tradition for over 9 generations. The craft itself dates back to the Indus Valley civilization, more than 4,000 years ago.
The Khatri family originally lived in Dhamadka village, near Bhachau in Kutch, where their ancestors settled in the 16th century during the reign of Rao Bharmal I. After the devastating 2001 Gujarat earthquake destroyed Dhamadka and contaminated its water sources (essential for Ajrakh printing), the community migrated and established Ajrakpur — quite literally building a new village around their craft.
The undisputed master of Ajrakh today is Dr. Ismail Mohammad Khatri — an artisan with a PhD on Ajrakh printing, multiple National Awards, and global recognition. The name "Ajrakh" comes from "Azrak" meaning blue in Arabic, one of the principal colours used. Each Ajrakh fabric goes through an intricate multi-step process of washing, printing with hand-carved teak wood blocks, dyeing with natural plant-based pigments (indigo, madder, harda), and boiling — taking weeks to complete.
Six experiences for craft enthusiasts and textile lovers.
Easily accessible from Bhuj — perfect short trip.
Make your block printing village visit truly memorable.
Combine Ajrakpur with these incredible nearby destinations.
Everything you need to know before visiting.
Let our local experts arrange your Ajrakpur visit — pre-booked workshop tours with the Khatri family, live block printing demonstrations, combined craft-trail tours, and the perfect introduction to Kutch's textile heritage. WhatsApp us for a custom itinerary.
