Ajrakh is one of India's oldest continuous block-printing traditions โ over 4,000 years of documented history โ practiced by Khatri families in Kutch, Gujarat. GI-protected, hand-crafted with natural dyes, and instantly recognisable by its geometric Islamic-influenced motifs.
The Ajrakh Process
- 16-step resist-and-mordant process
- Multiple immersions in natural dyes (indigo, madder, iron)
- Hand-carved wooden blocks (each design uses 3โ5 blocks)
- Traditional palette: deep indigo, madder red, black outline on cream ground
- Each length takes 15โ20 days of processing
Product Applications
- Sarees
- Kurtas and tunics
- Scarves and stoles
- Cushion covers
- Bedsheets and pillowcases
- Table linen
- Garment fabric (by the metre)
Substrate Options
- Cotton (traditional)
- Mulmul (fine cotton)
- Silk (premium)
- Modal (contemporary)
MOQs & Pricing (FOB India)
- Cotton Ajrakh fabric (per metre) โ 100m minimum, $8.50โ14/m
- Ajrakh saree โ 50 pcs, $32โ52 per piece
- Ajrakh cushion cover โ 200 pcs, $6.50โ11 per piece
- Ajrakh scarf โ 100 pcs, $12โ20 per piece
- Silk Ajrakh (premium) โ 50m, $22โ35/m
Certifications
- GI tag (Ajrakhpur / Barmer variants)
- Fair Trade certification
- Handloom Mark
- Natural dye certification available
Lead Times
- Sampling: 4โ5 weeks
- Bulk (16-step traditional process): 60โ90 days
Frequently Asked Questions
What payment terms are standard for Indian textile imports?
Standard payment structure is 30% advance via TT (telegraphic transfer) plus 70% against copy of bill of lading. Letters of credit (LC) are recommended for first-time relationships or large orders ($50,000+). Established repeat buyers can negotiate DA/DP terms or open account. Avoid 100% advance payment except for very small sample orders.
How do I verify an Indian supplier before placing a large order?
Verify: IEC code (Indian Import-Export Code from DGFT), GST registration, physical factory address (via video call or third-party visit), references from 2+ existing international customers, SEDEX or BSCI social audit, relevant OEKO-TEX/GOTS scope certificates. Pre-shipment inspection is essential โ budget $250โ500 per shipment via SGS, Intertek or Bureau Veritas.
What HS code applies to my product for import duty?
HS code depends on fibre composition and construction. Silk items are Chapter 50; wool Chapter 51; cotton Chapter 52; knitted apparel Chapter 61; woven apparel Chapter 62; home textiles Chapter 63. Get a formal HS code determination from your destination customs broker before first import โ mis-classification causes customs delays and unexpected duty charges.
Can Indian suppliers ship directly to my end customer (dropshipping)?
Yes, dropshipping from India is technically possible. But it comes with challenges: 14โ35 day sea transit customer expectation management, unexpected destination duty charges, complex returns handling, quality control gaps per shipment. For most brands, a wholesale-import-then-fulfil model produces better customer experience than pure dropshipping.
Related Reading
- Kalamkari Hand-Painted Textiles: Export Guide from India โ Kalamkari is an ancient Indian textile art combining block printing and hand-painting. A B2B sourcing guide for luxury retail and...
- Ajrakh Block-Printed Scarves from Kutch, Gujarat โ Ajrakh block-printed scarves carry 4,000 years of craft heritage. A B2B sourcing guide from Kutch, Gujarat.
- Hand-Block Printed Textile Accessories: Scarves, Bandanas & Pocket Squares from India โ Hand-block printing is one of India's most distinctive textile crafts โ and a high-margin private-label opportunity for internatio...
- Ikat Weaving Wholesale from India: Pochampally, Patola & Odisha โ Ikat is an ancient resist-dyeing weaving technique. India produces distinctive Pochampally, Patola and Odisha ikat traditions. A B...
About Blueridge Trade LLP
Blueridge Trade LLP operates a dual business model. Our textile division is a direct manufacturer โ we own and operate the production of our cashmere, Merino wool, silk, organic cotton and blended fabric programmes, controlling quality from fibre sourcing through finishing.
Beyond textiles, we operate as a trading and sourcing partner for industrial commodities (copper, aluminium, zinc, tin, tungsten scrap, activated carbon), botanicals and spices, export-grade packaging, and consumables. In these categories we leverage a vetted network of Indian producers rather than manufacturing in-house โ giving international buyers a single consolidated point of contact for both textile manufacturing and broader Indian sourcing requirements.