The origin of block printing in India can be traced as far back as 3000 BC, during the Indus Valley Civilization. Some historians are of the opinion that India may have been the country where textile printing originated in the first place. This opinion is due to archaeological evidence provided by Mohenjo Daro that proves the existence of complex technology for mordant dyeing since the second millennium BC. A French man, R. Fisher was the first to work on an elaborate study of fabrics before the 17th Century — he further distinguished them as block printed and resist-dyed. This study helped determine which fabrics were luxurious and those meant for the masses. 

In Madhya Pradesh, block printing was first practised in remote villages like Dharampuri, Thikri, and Kukshi by a community called Chippas or Bhavsars. Colour printing was a technique done in Dhar by a group of Muslim printers called Rangrez. Both communities specifically catered to the Adivasi tribes, where raw and coarse cotton was typically used to produce clothing.

Later, on a mission to search for a place that could help them further hone their craft, the printers and dyers migrated and settled in the villages of Tarapur and Umedpura. Continuing on the belief of existing for over 300 years, the art of block printing grows and takes on modern, innovative and efficient characteristics to make it exclusive to Madhya Pradesh. 

When it comes to the technique and production of the print, the wax-resist process is used in order to prevent the dye from going through to the fabric, creating a pattern. The base is an indigo dyed blue-black, and filler blocks are used to fill the white areas. Spacing between blocks is smaller towards the end and larger along the body. 

At the end of the production process, a specific flower motif is added to act as a trademark. This helps the buyer differentiate between authentic pieces and recognise the printer. With the finished fabric, ghagras, veils, sarees, safas, angochhis and many more clothing items are made.