The history of Batik

The exact origin of Batik is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in Java, Indonesia. Batik art began its journey, influenced by different cultures and patterns of different countries through wax, cotton, and dyes. In 2009, UNESCO designated the Indonesian Batik as a Masterpiece of humanity’s oral and intangible heritage.

The word “batik” is derived from the Javanese words amba (Amba), meaning “to write,” and titik meaning “dot.” The original spelling of Batik was Battik.

The history of Batik in Bangladesh

Kamalpur is a village in Jagannathpur Union of Adarsh ​​Sadar Upazila of Comilla. The transportation system is not that good. That’s exactly what a village usually means. Kamalpur village means “batik neighborhood” to people, even if it doesn’t have the same charm as before.

In 1975, Lal Mia brought batiker training from Calcutta and Tripura. Then he started in his village. He is now a member of the Union Parishad of Kamalpur village. He sits in front of his factory even though he cannot move much due to age.

We had the good fortune to meet him suddenly on November 20th. There are many things to learn from the person whose hand came to our country. I took a very short time. Inshallah, I want to learn more about Batik’s history from him.

Lately, we have seen Batik working in different areas of Bangladesh. However, not hundreds but thousands of batik entrepreneurs have made themselves self-sufficient in Bunty village in Araihajar upazila of Narayanganj district.

Training of batik artisans should be arranged

Many are confused about Batik and tie-dye. Both dyeing methods differ only in process. Batik is done with the help of wax and tie-dye thread to create various designs on the fabric.

Thickly woven natural fabrics such as cotton and silk are usually chosen for Batik because these fabrics can absorb the wax so the wax does not spread.

The art gained more popularity after Batik was also introduced as a subject of study at Shanti Niketan in Kolkata. Batik in the Chola Mandal area of ​​Madras has grown in popularity.

Batik is an art. How many hundreds of new designs come up in the hands of craftsmen? These artists paint their works with paint and brush, sometimes as they like, sometimes according to demand. However, after working with them, I learned they mostly work in cotton fabrics. They don’t know the difference between Batik and Tidai. Many people don’t realize that apart from cotton, other materials such as half silk, muslin, khadi, silk, and woolen are also tie-dyed or Batik!

Suppose batik and tie-dye artisans of Bangladesh can be trained through government or private organizations on the proportion of other countries’ fabrics, colors, and designs. In that case, the artisans of our country can also prove their worth. Like foreign countries, our country’s Batik will be much more popular.

Batik products should be innovated

Batik is not just a piece of cloth. I see it in different forms and invarious tones. We can make many things with this one-piece of fabric. An entrepreneur’s first challenge is to bring his product to the public in a new form. What is needed for this is great willpower, courage, and patience.

Batik is a popular product among people all over the world. Batik art is very popular in Indonesia. In Indonesia, Egypt, and Japan, silk batik is more popular than cotton. The neighboring country of India, Batua, Nagra, is much more interesting.

Batik and tie-dye cotton clothes in Bangladesh are popular because the cotton fabric is comfortable and affordable. But now it is time to work with new products made of tie-dye batik beyond cotton clothes. Muslin, silk, khadi, georgette, and half-silk fabrics are suitable for tie-dye batik. Buyers will be interested in new products if you promote Batik on this fabric, like cotton.

Product innovation must be brought to survive in business for a long time. It requires the courage and mentality to take risks. But before that, you have to think about the target customer of that product, their preferences, needs, age, and profession. For example, when I came up with the idea of ​​tie-dye batik sandals, I made a pair for myself. After that, I saw that even though it is a completely new product, there is much response from people, and many people are interested in knowing about it.

After that, the sandal work is started according to thebuyers’ needs, budget, and preferences. Since July last year, Tejaswi has been able to market around 200 pairs of tie-dye batik sandals online. Alhamdulillah. Selling sandals online is challenging. Where we go to buy them directly but still have problems with the size of the sandals, but we still have to try constantly.

After sandals, Tejaswi has recently started working with batik purses and bags.

However, before launching any new product, market analysis is important. Failure to deliver the new product to the right customers at the right time can lead to business losses, resulting in loss of confidence and potential for customer confusion.

Batik industry can be made more prosperous only by creating new products.

Exclusive silk batik designs for expatriate buyers can be:

Those who leave the country and live abroad always have more pull for their country. Their passion for country people and local products works. They are not worried about the product’s price but prioritize the quality.

Many people are working with Batik. Now, batik clothes are made of different types of materials. However, apart from cotton, other materials such as soft silk, muslin silk, balaka silk, and motka silk can be designed in batik dresses for expatriates.

Hand-painted Batik is very popular in countries like Indonesia and Japan. These are time-consuming tasks that are quite expensive and visually appealing. The batik artisans of our country do excellent work. There are many possibilities of hand-painted Batik in our country. These hand-painted batiks are in demand among expatriate batik lovers. We need to work and promote in this direction.