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Located in the heart of the picturesque bylanes of Amber, miles away from the magnificent Amber Fort, is a very nondescript and unheard-of museum—the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing. This small museum, housed in a gorgeously restored haveli, is a treat to all those interested in the craft of hand block printing, which has been such an integral part of Rajasthani lives over centuries. Not reluctant to interest an art lover or a history buff, or someone who just notices the glance at details, the Anokhi Museum calls for attention with splendid relativity representing the craft of that time.
Before you plan your visit, here's a quick rundown of the Anokhi Museum's timings and entry fees for 2024:
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Please note, there are no block carving or printing demonstrations between 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM on Fridays, and 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM on other days.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults | INR 30 |
| Students | INR 20 |
| Children | INR 15 |
| Still Camera | INR 50 |
| Video Camera | INR 150 |
The museum is also closed throughout for upkeep from May 15th to July 15th every year, so do figure this into your planning before visiting!
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The Anokhi Museum situates you on the path to a more traditional pink sandstone structure, blending perfectly between Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles. A ground floor in the museum plunges one into the world of hand block printing. There are the artists themselves, with great prowess, who carve very fine designs into blocks of wood. Subsequently, the blocks are employed for transferring patterns onto cloth. The process is awesome and really makes people appreciate the huge labor behind craft.
The collection has enough of it to thrill a textile lover. The permanent collection—which the museum calls the "Anokhi Archives"—comprises over a hundred garments, block-printed textiles, and the blocks used for carving. Some are probably as old as the early 1960s, giving quite a historical setting over how this art has evolved.
Every gallery at The Block Printing Museum is curated beautifully to exhibit the several doses of the art. It speaks otherwise, from the "Introduction" gallery speaking about the inception of this craft to the "Haveli Restoration" gallery, detailing hands fortifying the edifice in its edifice, in every nook and corner of the museum.
Other galleries are titled "Regional Textiles", "Natural and Chemical Dyes", "Block Printing and Carving Tools", "Gold and Silver Printing" and a "Demonstration Area" where live demonstrations of the printing process can still be seen today. Not only a visual treat but also an educational experience, it is a must visit for both adults and children.
The story of the Anokhi Museum is as intriguing as the craft it preserves. The brand had been created by Faith Singh and J.P. Singh in the early 1970s, long before the museum came into existence. This concept of the museum was conceived in 2002 and realized through the vision of Rachel Bracken Singh and her husband, Pritam Singh. In a clear vision, their aim has been to conserve and promote the ancient art of hand block printing, an intrinsic part of the cultural heritage of Rajasthan.
The building itself is a dilapidated mansion that was formerly known as Chanwar Palkiyon Ki Haveli before work on the restoration took place in 1989. This mansion was restored from the dilapidated state it was in by the combined works of renowned architects and local artisans. The restoration work was so exceptional that UNESCO awarded the museum with an award in 2000 entitled "Cultural Heritage Conservation".
No trip to the Anokhi Museum is complete without a visit to the museum shop, where one can purchase numerous hand-crafted items from textiles and clothing to jewelry to furniture; anything and everything to testify of the level of workmanship the museum takes pride in preserving. They make unique souvenirs, reminding you of the rich cultural tapestry of Rajasthan.
The Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing is conveniently located 12.8 km from Jaipur city center, close to Kheri Gate. It is just a short, convenient walk from there after you have finished your visit to Amber Fort. Just be on the lookout for the signboards, since it's easy to miss the museum! It remains a better choice to reach there from any other place in Jaipur using a cab or local transportation, such as auto rickshaws.
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Enjoyed the creative vibes of the Anokhi Museum, make time for the final attractions that are located at an arm's stretch away:
The Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing is not a museum; it's a living and breathing testament to the vibrancy of Rajasthan's culture. If you love art, history, or you are open for something absolutely unique, this museum will actually give a fulfilling experience and really cultivate one's sense of understanding toward the old craft of hand block printing.
So, in case you now intend to visit Jaipur in 2024, please make sure to include the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing in your itinerary. It's a place not to be missed!