Sindh Jo Ajrak Hardcover – July 24, 2006

I just received a much anticipated copy of the second edition of "Sindh Jo Ajrak". This is one of the few books I have seen in a long time, that I didn't even have to open to be overcome with sheer joy.The book has a cloth binding, with a 3"x4" piece of the famed Sindhi Ajrak very tastefully framed into the the cover itself. When I did get myself to open the book, I found page after page of absolutely beautiful color pictures detailing the ancient tradition of Ajrak making, showing artisans hard at work, and putting it all in the context of the Sindhi landscape. The book is appropriately dedicated to "all the anonymous artisans of Sindh, who over the centuries have contributed to the creation and perpetuation of a rich and sensitive art-form -- the making of an Ajrak."The significance of the Ajrak to the Sindhi society and culture is described very nicely in the introduction:"The continuity of Ajrak production and use over the centuries is maintained only because it is an integral part of Sindhi culture. Its usage is evident at all levels of society, and the cloth is held in high esteem, with the utmost respect given to it. I trust the world will give protection to preserve this incredible process and this precious ancient craft tradition."Readers may also want to look for a film on the Ajrak apparently produced by the author, that was shown at the South Asian Film Festival in Nepal last October. The film is titled: "Sun, Fire, River: `Ajrak' - Cloth from the Soil of Sindh".

Ajrak is a traditional shawl used by both Sindhi men and women.Making of Ajrak is a very long and tedious process. This book provides information about Ajrak and how it gets its final shape.This is perhaps the only book of its kind.