The story of Rogan Art, India’s vanishing textile printing tradition

Rogan art is a centuries-old textile-printing tradition believed to have Persian origins. The craft involves using a metal stylus to carefully guide a thick, castor oil-based paint onto fabric, creating intricate hand-drawn patterns. Today, this painstaking and time-intensive art form is preserved primarily by a single family in Gujarat’s Nirona village.

Written by Aanya Mehta

June 9, 2026 09:00 IST

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Bright, intricate, and made with astonishing precision, Rogan art is one of India’s rarest textile traditions. Practiced in Gujarat’s Kutch region, this centuries-old craft is known for its raised paintwork and symmetrical motifs. Here's everything you didn't know about it. (Source: Photo by wikimedia commons )

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It’s over 300 years old: Rogan art has been practiced for nearly three centuries in the Nirona village of Kutch, Gujarat. While many trace its roots to Persia, the craft has become deeply tied to Gujarat’s artistic heritage over generations. (Source: Photo by wikimedia commons )

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The paint begins with castor oil: The word “rogan” comes from Persian and means oil-based. Artists heat castor seed oil for hours, sometimes even longer, until it thickens into a rich residue, then mix it with pigments to create the vivid paint used on cloth. (Source: Photo by wikimedia commons )

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The design is folded into symmetry: Traditionally, artists create one half of a motif first, then fold the cloth so the wet paint transfers onto the other side. This creates the mirror like patterns Rogan art is famous for. (Source: Photo by wikimedia commons )

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The stylus never touches the fabric: One of the most fascinating parts of Rogan art: the artist uses a metal rod to pull thread-like strands of paint and carefully lowers them onto fabric without directly touching the surface. It takes remarkable control and steady hands. (Source: Photo by wikimedia commons )

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The Tree of Life is its signature motif: Floral patterns, peacocks, and folk-inspired designs all appear in Rogan art, but the Tree of Life remains the most iconic. Its delicate branches and bold colours have become a signature of the craft. (wikimedia commons) (Source: Photo by wikimedia commons )

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Only a few artisans still practice it: Rogan art survives through a very small number of skilled artisans in Nirona, especially the Khatri family. Their efforts to preserve and teach the craft have helped keep this extraordinary tradition alive. (Source: Photo by wikimedia commons )