The Bandhani Artisans of Kachchh
Abduljabbar and Abdullah Khatri, the founders of SIDR Craft in Kachchh, Gujarat. Photo: SIDR Craft
SIDR Craft was founded in 1992 by brothers Abduljabbar and Abdullah Khatri in Kachchh, Gujarat. The brothers learned the craft from their mother, a Bandhani practitioner, and carried the tradition forward after it had waned in their family. Bandhani has been central to the Khatri community of Kachchh for centuries, valued for its intricate patterns, unique texture, and cultural significance.
Fabric with hundreds of dots bound by hand with thread, ready to be dyed. Photo: Sarah Dunn Nov 2024
The name Bandhani comes from the Sanskrit word bandh, meaning “to tie.” This centuries-old tied-resist dye technique involves lifting tiny peaks of cloth and tightly wrapping thread around them to resist the dye. Each dot is carefully placed by hand, producing intricate patterns with remarkable precision. The process is slow and meticulous, but the results are exquisite. In Japan, similar shaped-resist techniques are known as shibori, and in the West, small tie-dyed cloths became known as “bandanas,” a word derived from Bandhani.
A SIDR craft artisan skillfully binds the fabric of a shawl to create an intricate pattern in Kachchh, Gujarat. Photo: SIDR Craft
A piece of cotton, with the Bandhani pattern bound by thread, ready for dyeing. Photo: Sarah Dunn Nov 2024
Today, SIDR Craft works with over 300 women artisans from eight villages in Kachchh, who tie the patterns in their homes while balancing family and community life. The tied fabrics return to SIDR’s studio, where they are dyed using traditional methods, including both natural dyes such as madder and indigo as well as azo free acid dyes. The organization is committed to sustaining high-quality Bandhani while supporting women’s economic independence and preserving the cultural heritage of the region.
The SIDR dye studio in Bhuj, Kachchh. Photo: Arindam Bhattacharjee June 2023
Abdullah Khatri in the SIDR dye studio in Bhuj, Kachchh. Photo: SIDR Craft
The brothers have also mastered clamp-resist dyeing, inspired by Japanese Itajime techniques, and continue to experiment with patterns, colours, and layouts while respecting traditional methods. Their work has been recognized internationally, including with the UNESCO Seal of Excellence, and has helped elevate Bandhani as both a cultural artifact and a contemporary textile art form.
A heavily patterned mulberry silk Bandhani Shawl. Photo: Sarah Dunn 2026
Through SIDR Craft, the Khatri brothers continue to preserve, innovate, and share Bandhani with the world, while providing meaningful livelihoods for rural artisans and keeping this centuries-old craft alive.
RANI & REINE began working with SIDR in 2023. We carry a beautifulo collection of both bandhani and itajime shawls in our brick and mortar shop, as well as online. We are looking forward to welcoming Abdullah to Germany in early May 2026 for in person workshops. More information can be found under the events tab.
Ana wears a light blue mulberry silk Bandhani Shawl. Photo: Sarah Dunn 2026
