Introduction

The tradition of hand printed textiles in Rajasthan has a rich history. Promoted by kings and other monarchs, the art form suffered from severe neglect in the 1970s, once the rule of the rajas was abolished. Over the last 30 years, the Anokhi Foundation has worked tirelessly to revive this craft and also provide and opportunity to learn from the rich history of hand printing.

The Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing offers a behind-the-scenes look at the art of creating hand printed textiles. The Anokhi Museum is an attempt to preserve and showcase this art to the world. Housed in a beautifully restored pink haveli, the museum offers an up-close look at this art. Its many exhibits show the development of hand-printed textiles under successive generations of Rajput rulers. The museum showcases the rich history of hand printed textiles in Rajasthan and also offers a change to learn from the old styles and even experiment with the new.

Each exhibit at the museum is an example of exemplary Rajasthani craftsmanship. The collection includes examples of many print types that can now only be found in private collections. Anokhi Museum aims to preserve and revive this art form, while at the same time provide an opportunity to younger artists to learn from history. Craftsmen are provided with the facility to practice this art form and the means of a secure livelihood. They can also innovate and experiment - choose to combine newer styles with old designs or vice versa. While the visitors to the museum are offered an up close look at how each piece is created.

The top floor of the gallery often plays host to textile collections on loan from other collectors.

To satiate your desire for hand printed artifacts, the museum also has an on-site shop. Like the boutique in Jaipur or Delhi, you can shop at the museum’s own shop. Their collection of dresses, clothes, fabric, cushion covers, linen, and other handicrafts is quiet yummy.

Special Attributes

A museum of Jaipur’s traditional block-printed textile tradition.

Nuisance

Touts

Dressing restrictions

None, wear whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Buses, Taxis, Auto Rickshaws

Enjoyed by

All, especially those interested in the ancient block-printing tradition of Jaipur. Shopping enthusiasts looking for unique souvenirs for their Jaipur holiday will find many options here.

Exposure

None, as the museum is housed in a beautifully restored haveli.

Avoidable Season

April, May, June

Facilities

An in-house café is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 16:30 and serves refreshments and light. The museum shop is also a great place to stock up on hand-printed textiles, cards, and prints. Just keep your credit card handy.

Things Not Allowed

Flashes and photographic lights for cameras

Tip

The Anokhi Museum might be a little hard to find, especially since the local rickshaw and taxi drivers get no incentive from the store for bringing visitors. To find your way, ask for the Bihariji Temple in the Amer Fort area. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored pink haveli.

If you wish to just shop, without a glimpse of the rich history behind these textiles, you can visit the standalone boutique at C-Scheme to C-11, K K square, Prithviraj Marg in Jaipur. Opening hours on Sunday: 11:00 to 16:00 hours; Last entry time: 15:30

Type of site

Museum, Shop