What is Batik?
Batik is an ancient art form made with wax resistant dye on fabrics. It is made by drawing dots and lines of the resist with a tool called canting or by printing the resist with a copper stamp called a cap.The artist dips the cloth in dyes and the wax applied resists the colour. So, the artist can colour selectively, removing the wax with boiling water and repeating the process if different colours are used. In 2009, UNESCO has officially recognised the Batik as a ‘Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’.
Origin of Batik
The technique of Batik originated in Indonesia, from the island of Java. The Indonesian people wear Batik to events, both formal and otherwise. It is used in various rituals ceremonies celebrations and daily use as well.Initially, batik making techniques only used batik tulis or written batik techniques. This batik tulis is known as the original because the process and workmanship are still very traditional and manual. Then the technique developed with the discovery of the batik cap or 'stamped batik’ technique which made batik work faster. ’Painted batik’ or batik lukis is a technique of making batik by painting on a white cloth using a medium or a combined medium like canting, brush, banana stalk, broomsticks, cotton or other media. We can see gradation effects as well in batik painting.
Indian Batik
Indians have used resist dyeing technique since the first century. Initially, wax and even rice starch were used for printing on fabrics. Batik was used mostly for clothing and apparel but the modern Batik is being used for making lively wall hangings, paintings, scarves and domestic linen and upholstery. The states of Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Telangana are well known for Batik works.
The Salar Jung Museum Collection
The museum has a few Batik paintings in its collection. Done mostly by artists of South India, theyare bright and have an energy of their own. The themes are various including everyday life, people,animal figures, festivals and others. These paintings have been created using bright colours with influences of modern paintings.
Let us check out the vibrant Batiks from the museum!
Krishna and 'gopis' (1900/1999)Salar Jung Museum
Krishna and 'Gopis'
Batik showing ‘Krishna and 'gopis’ in pichwai style. Two tassels shown hanging on one side of the flute of Krishna, from Hyderabad, Telangana, dated to the 20th century.
Three village women (1901/1999) by Yasala BalaiahSalar Jung Museum
Three Village Women
Batik work showing three village women carrying flowers on their head during the festival of Bathukamma, by Yasala Balaiah, from Hyderabad, Telangana, dated to the 20th century.
Galloping horse (1901/1999) by Usha RaniSalar Jung Museum
Galloping Horse
Painting representing a galloping horse shown against yellow in the background. By Usha Rani, from South India, dated to the 20th century.
Plantation (1901/1999) by Yasala BalaihSalar Jung Museum
Plantation
Painting representing three ladies sowing plants. wearing yellow colour blouses and white sarees tied in ‘dhoti’ style. By Yasala Balaiah, from Hyderabad, Telangana, dated to the 20th century.
Deer (1973/1973) by K. RamachanderSalar Jung Museum
Deer
Painting depicting a group of deer in an interesting juxtaposed way, by K. Gowri Shankar, from Andhra Pradesh, dated to circa 1973.
Ladies playing Kolatam (1980/1980) by Yasala BalaiahSalar Jung Museum
Ladies playing 'Kolatam'
Batik representing four ladies playing’ Kolatam’, each with two small sticks in their hands.They are with tied coiffure with big nose rings. By Yasala Balaiah, from Hyderabad, Telangana, dated to circa 1980.
Standing lady (1901/1999) by Yasala BalaiahSalar Jung Museum
Standing Lady
Painting representing a standing lady dressing her hair holding a mirror in her right hand. By Yasala Balaiah, from South India, dated to the 20th century.
Village Drummers (1901/1999) by Yasala BalaihSalar Jung Museum
Village Drummers
Painting shows two drummers who are dancing and playing on drums. By Yasala Balaiah, from Siddipet, Telangana, dated to the 20th century.
Danseuse (1901/1999) by Manohar DuttSalar Jung Museum
Danseuse
Batik depicting a danseuse of the folk style by Manohar Dutt, from Andhra Pradesh, India, dated to the 20th century.
Geometrical pattern (1901/1999) by K. RamachanderSalar Jung Museum
Geometrical Pattern
Batik depicting geometrical pattern in red and black on yellow ground by K. Ramachander, from Andhra Pradesh, dated to the 20th century.
Text and Curation : Soma Ghosh
Photography : M. Krishnamurthy and Bahadur Ali
Research Assistance : Dinesh Singh and E. Rajesh
Special Thanks to : Dr. A. Nagender Reddy, Director, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, India.
References –
1.Ellito, Inger McCabe (1984) Batik: Fabled cloth of Java, New York: Clarkson N. Potter
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batik (accessed 17.07.2022)
