Table of Contents
Introduction – Rogan Painting: a miracle in oil
Rogan Painting. Say that phrase aloud and it sounds like a secret : an art made of oil ; a craft that looks like embroidery but uses no thread. It’s one of India’s rarest living traditions – a 400-year-old technique that survived because a few stubborn hands refused to let it die. In the dusty lanes of Nirona, Kutch, the Khatri family kept this craft alive, turning boiled castor oil into shimmering paints and drawing floral worlds on dark cloth with a steel stylus. This is a story of color, patience, migration, family stubbornness, and – most of all – cultural survival.
Quote by Abdul Gafoor Khatri (National Award–winning Rogan artist)
“Rogan is not just art for us; it is our identity, passed down through generations. Every stroke carries the story of survival.”
What exactly is Rogan Painting?
Rogan Painting is a textile art where a viscous oil-based paint — traditionally made by boiling castor or linseed oil for many hours — is used to draw elaborate motifs freehand on dark fabrics. Instead of brushes, artisans use a slender metal stylus (sometimes called a tulika or rod) and trail thin strands of the paint across the cloth. The effect can look like thread laid on fabric — which is why people often call it “threadless embroidery.” The paint is thick, glossy, and dries into a durable sheen that makes the colors glow against deep backgrounds.
A patchwork history: from Persia to Kutch
The roots of Rogan Painting are layered. Many scholars trace early “rogan” techniques to Persian or Central Asian oil-based textile arts that moved west and east with trade and migration. Over centuries, local communities adapted those techniques using locally available oils and pigments. By the 17th–18th centuries, versions of oil-based painting had taken hold in parts of Gujarat (including Kutch), where castor oil and dark woven cloth created ideal conditions for this art to flourish.
Quote by Jaya Jaitly (Founder, Dastkari Haat Samiti)
“Rogan painting is one of the rarest crafts in the world today — a symbol of India’s incredible artistic diversity that needs global respect, not pity.”
The secret recipe: how Rogan paint is made
One of the most magical parts of Rogan Painting is its paint. The process is almost alchemical: castor oil is boiled slowly — often for one to two days — until it thickens into a syrup-like resin. This thick base is mixed with natural pigments (stone powders, minerals, or vegetable dyes) and sometimes chalk to give body. While warm, the paste is pliable and glossy — perfect for drawing long, elastic strands that hold shape when laid on fabric. Cooling firms the paint into a permanent, slightly glossy finish that resists washing and time if made and cured properly.
The Khatri family: last guardians of Nirona’s Rogan Painting
If Rogan Painting has a human face, it is the Khatri family of Nirona. For generations they have guarded the secret of making and using Rogan paint. Their name appears again and again in articles about the craft’s survival; members such as Abdul Gafur (or Abdul Gaffar) Khatri have received national recognition for their role in keeping the tradition alive. When the world took notice — for example, when a Rogan “Tree of Life” painting was gifted to U.S. President Barack Obama during Prime Minister Modi’s 2014 visit — it was largely thanks to the Khatris’ determination and inventiveness.
Women and revival: changing taboos in a small village
Traditionally Rogan was a male-dominated activity in that region, but in the 21st century the Khatri family began training women from nearby villages — a practical and cultural transformation that helped both the craft and the community. Teaching women expanded production possibilities (and incomes) and also changed assumptions about who could hold traditional knowledge. In the 2010s, several women joined workshops and exhibitions, a step that both preserved and modernized Rogan practice.
Seven fascinating facts about Rogan Painting (the heart of the article)
1) It’s called “Rogan” because of oil
The name “Rogan” comes from words meaning “oil” or “color” in Persian and related languages — an apt name for a paint that’s essentially concentrated oil. The cooking and handling of oil is central to the craft.
2) It looks like embroidery but has no thread
That optical illusion — paint that looks like thread — is the signature of Rogan Painting. The artist’s skill in pulling consistent strands makes patterns appear textured like embroidery even though they’re entirely painted.
3) Tree of Life is the recurring icon
Many Rogan pieces feature the “Tree of Life” motif, symbolizing growth, protection, and continuity. This motif is so central that the “Tree of Life” painting from Nirona became the piece that attracted international attention when presented to foreign dignitaries.
4) It almost disappeared – and then revived
In the late 20th century, industrial textiles and cheap machine-made prints nearly wiped out production. What saved Rogan Painting was local pride, a few awards, committed artisans, and tourism in the 2000s and 2010s that brought craft buyers to Kutch. Post-earthquake infrastructure development in Gujarat improved travel and helped tourism reach remote craft hubs.
5) The paint is unusual — it’s boiled oil + pigments
As explained already, the long boiling of castor oil (sometimes mixed with safflower or linseed variants) produces the base. Natural pigments are then added. The process is time-consuming and requires skill — get it slightly wrong and the paint won’t have the right stretch or sheen.
6) Modern products rescued its commercial future
Today, Rogan designs appear on cushion covers, sarees, wall hangings, bags, and fashion items. This product diversification helped artisans reach urban markets and craft fairs (and online platforms), making it easier to earn a living by the craft. The balance — modern products made with authentic technique — has been crucial for survival.
7) It’s fragile culturally — and precious globally
Rogan Painting is both fragile (because few families practice it) and precious (because it’s unique in technique and beautiful in results). Its survival depends on continued training, fair prices, and cultural respect. International recognition has helped but consistent local support — from tourism, craft organizations, and craft-aware buyers — matters most.
Rogan Painting in daily life: dowries, festivals, diplomacy
Historically, Rogan-painted fabrics were used in wedding trousseaus, as wall hangings, and decoration — items of importance in a household rather than everyday wear. As cultural value shifted and markets declined, the use changed; contemporary artisans make decorative panels and contemporary products to survive. The story of the Rogan piece presented to President Obama in 2014 put the craft into a diplomatic spotlight and gave it renewed prestige, showing how a local craft can travel to the world stage.
How places and projects are helping (and how you can too)
Several institutions and initiatives have supported the revival of Rogan Painting: regional craft collectives, Gujarat tourism initiatives, NGOs working on craft livelihoods, and government recognition programs. If you want to help authentic crafts like Rogan Painting, here are practical ways:
- Buy directly from certified artisans or trusted craft platforms (avoid knockoffs).
- Share stories and authentic images with proper attribution to the artist/family.
- Support craft-centred tourism to remote villages responsibly (follow local protocols).
- Encourage craft education programs and fair-trade pricing.
https://www.gujarattourism.com/kutch-zone/kutch/nirona.html
https://www.khamir.org/crafts/rogan-painting
https://www.aboutamazon.in/news/small-business/rogan-the-art-thats-made-direct-dil-se?
Workshops, training, and the new generation of Rogan artists
One of the sweetest parts of this story is watching young artists experiment while staying grounded in tradition. The Khatri family began offering demonstrations and training, welcoming artisans and apprentices. They started accepting visitors and students, turning their workshop into a tiny living museum and training centre. The introduction of women into workshops — once taboo — opened a new path for the craft’s continuity. Supported training is now the most realistic route to keep Rogan Painting alive.
Quote by UNESCO (from their Crafts Revival Program)
“Each traditional craft embodies intangible heritage — skills, stories, and identity. When a craft fades, humanity loses a language of expression.”
Rogan Painting and design: respectful collaborations
Designers who work respectfully with traditional artisans create new markets without erasing the origins. The best collaborations do three things: pay fair wages, preserve technique, and credit the artisan. When contemporary labels or designers borrow Rogan motifs, they must ensure authenticity — not just an aesthetic copy — by involving the artisans and sharing profits with them. This kind of ethical collaboration is key to long-term survival.
Quote by Dr. Jyotindra Jain (Cultural historian & former Director, National Crafts Museum, New Delhi)
“Rogan painting represents the poetic dialogue between patience and precision — a meditative practice as much as a visual one.”
Challenges ahead: authenticity, tourism, and climate
Even with renewed interest, challenges remain. The craft is delicate: improper teaching can dilute technique; mass-produced imitators can devalue originals; and tourism without care can place pressure on village resources. Climate also affects materials — oils, pigments, and fabric behave differently by humidity. Continued, careful stewardship from both patrons and policy is required if Rogan Painting is to survive another 400 years.
Quote by Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2014 interview reference, promoting Rogan artisans)
“When I gifted a Rogan painting to President Obama, it was India’s way of telling the world that art speaks a universal language.”
Where to see authentic Rogan Painting (travel & exhibitions)
If your readers want to see Rogan Painting in person, Nirona village (Kutch) is the obvious destination. Many craft fairs in Gujarat and national exhibitions feature Rogan pieces; some museums include examples in textile displays. When visiting, always check recent schedules and call ahead — small village workshops sometimes close for family reasons or for festivals. Practical travel notes:
- Visit Kutch during the cooler months (November–February) when craft fairs are active.
- Look for workshops with clear artisan attribution (Khatri family or other named artists).
- Be respectful: ask before photographing or touching work.
Conclusion – Rogan Painting as living memory
Rogan Painting is not nostalgia trapped in a museum; it is a living craft. Every slow handful of boiled oil, every patient pull of paint, every Tree of Life that blooms on cloth — they are acts of cultural remembering. As readers, buyers, and curious travellers, our best role is to be careful witnesses: support authentic makers, learn the stories of the hands who paint, and make sure that when we celebrate Rogan Painting it’s not as a relic, but as a craft still very much alive — and still capable of surprising the world.
Internal links (from The Vanishing Canvas)
The Revival of Indian Handloom Textiles: Weaving Stories Through Fabric- The Revival of Indian Handloom Textiles: Weaving Stories Through Fabric
Why Indian Miniature Paintings Were Once the Rage in Mughal & Rajput Courts– Exposed: Why Indian Miniature Paintings Were Once the Rage in Mughal & Rajput Courts – TVS – 16/10/25
India’s Musical Temples: Where Stone Speaks in Sound– Musical Temples of India: Where Stone Speaks in Sound
What is Rogan Painting?
Rogan Painting is a 400-year-old traditional art form from the Kutch region of Gujarat, India. It uses a special paint made from heated castor oil and natural pigments, which is drawn onto cloth using a metal stylus — without the artist ever touching the fabric.
Why is it called “Rogan” Painting?
The word “Rogan” comes from the Persian language, meaning “oil-based”. The name reflects the art’s core material — thick paint created from boiled castor oil mixed with natural colors.
Where did Rogan Painting originate?
Rogan Painting originated in the Kutch region of Gujarat, likely brought to India from Persia about 400 years ago through trade and cultural exchange. The village of Nirona is now the only place where this art still thrives.
Who are the famous artists of Rogan Painting?
The Khatri family of Nirona, especially Abdul Gafoor Khatri and his relatives, are the torchbearers of this art. Abdul Gafoor Khatri received the National Award (1997) and the Padma Shri (2019) for preserving Rogan Painting.
What materials are used in Rogan Painting?
The main ingredient is castor oil, which is boiled for hours until it becomes thick and sticky. Natural pigments such as red, yellow, blue, white, and green are then mixed in. The mixture is applied on fabric using a metal stylus, not brushes.
How is Rogan Painting different from other Indian folk arts?
Unlike most paintings that use brushes or dyes, Rogan is threadless and touchless — the artist controls the paint using a stylus and folds the fabric to create mirror-image patterns. Its technique is entirely unique in the world of traditional art.
Why did Rogan Painting almost disappear?
Industrialization and lack of buyers during the 20th century nearly caused its extinction. By the 1980s, only one family in Nirona practiced it. Revival efforts through government support and tourism helped restore attention to the craft.
How did Rogan Painting gain global recognition again?
In 2014, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a Rogan-painted Tree of Life to then–U.S. President Barack Obama. That moment brought the art to global fame, reviving both interest and pride in Kutch’s artisans.
Can anyone learn Rogan Painting today?
Yes, the Khatri family now conducts training workshops and community classes in Kutch. Several NGOs and design institutes like NID (National Institute of Design) also collaborate to help younger generations learn and sustain this art form.
Where can I buy or see authentic Rogan Paintings?
You can find original Rogan artworks directly in Nirona village, Kutch. They are also occasionally available through verified exhibitions, Dastkari Haat Samiti, and Crafts Council of India fairs. Always ensure authenticity by purchasing directly from artisans.
