Rogan - An Unknown Treasure

Rogan Art

Rogan is a traditional art practiced in India since past 400 years. Rogan is explained to be a  dialogue between the artist hands. It is basically a painting done on cloth, but its process is really different. No brush no paints are used in Rogan. Yes, you read that right! Rogan is done using castor oil and natural pigments. And except of a brush a metal rod is used, which also never touches the cloth. That's true! Rogan is an Persian word meaning oil. Which means Rogan is an oil-based painting.

Rogan art said 'to give an illusion of embroidery'. Rogan is known for its bright colour, intricate work and beautiful composition. It was earlier used on ghagra, sarees, odhnis, table cloth, etc.And it was more practiced than (In many parts of Kutch). But with time machine textiles came up which turned out to be more cheaper and more available. Now only 3 families practice this art. Products made now includes wall hangings, kurtas, stoles, etc is made. Now the art is practiced only in Nirona Village, Gujrat.

As the art is not well known this art started diminishing. And was on the verge of getting extinct. It revived in 2014, when Narendra Modi gifted 2 Rogan paintings (wall hangings) to Barack Obama. Since than, the craft started growing again. 

To know more see the video below.

In frame: Rizwan Khatri (Rogan Artisan)