Tharangini Studio ✨ The Sisterhood of Block Printing

Tharangini, a women-led block printing studio, preserves rare prints from the 60s and 70s. Led by Padmini Govind, it has transformed block printing for a global audience. Founded in the 1960s by Lakshmi Srivathsa, Tharangini is Bangalore’s oldest heritage textile studio, pioneering sustainable textiles focused on craftsmanship and equality.

We spent the day with Padmini Govind and the artisans in their studio, surrounded by their signature hand-block-printed fabrics—each motif carrying a story of tradition and heritage. The Artisans were styled in all our favourite designers & in-house crafted pieces♥️

"Handmade textiles are more than just fabric; —they’re defiance woven in thread, history stitched by women, and futures crafted by hand."

“Hand block printing has been in India for centuries,” Padmini says. “Historically, places like Masulipatnam and Surat were known for it. In the South, it was mainly printed on silk saris. But over time, we’ve evolved—we now print on furnishings, linens, and a variety of fabrics beyond just saris.”

With fast fashion dominating the industry, handmade textiles can sometimes feel like a relic of the past. But Padmini insists they are anything but. “Handmade fabrics have a soul. No two prints are exactly alike, and that’s the beauty of it. You can feel the history, the craftsmanship, the patience that went into every single piece.”

At Tharangini, the artisans use natural dyes and organic materials, ensuring their work is both environmentally and ethically responsible. “Millennials and Gen Z consumers don’t just want handcrafted—they want to know how we are reducing our carbon footprint, how we are supporting artisans, and what our values are. For them, the story behind the fabric is just as important as the fabric itself.”

“In a tech-driven city like Bangalore, people are not rushing out to become artists. They would rather be with Swiggy, Ola, or in mainstream office jobs,” says Padmini Govind. “That makes it challenging to sustain a craft-based studio like ours.”

As consumer habits shift towards digital platforms, traditional craftsmanship faces an uncertain future. The demand for machine-made textiles grows, pushing handcrafted fabrics into niche markets. Yet, Padmini and her team at Tharangini remain committed to preserving the art of hand block printing. “The onus is on handcraft producers like us to keep this technique alive and relevant for future generations.”

Their solution? Innovation. While honoring centuries-old techniques, Tharangini embraces modern collaborations, working with AI-based artists and digital designers to keep their work fresh and appealing to younger audiences.

“We have been a proudly women-owned business since the mid-70s,” Padmini shares. “At Tharangini, we empower artisans to run the studio as they perceive best—because they are the true skilled workers.”

Women have played a crucial role in keeping traditional crafts alive, yet they often remain in the background. At Tharangini, however, leadership and decision-making are shared. This non-hierarchical approach allows artisans to take ownership of their work, fostering creativity and sustainability.

“Women in creative fields often face financial and societal barriers,” she explains. “But through collaboration and education, we create opportunities for them to thrive.”

Padmini believes the best way to support women in craft is by choosing to buy from women-led businesses and fair-trade organizations. “Every purchase is a vote for the kind of world you want to support. When you buy handmade, you’re not just getting a product—you’re sustaining a tradition, supporting a community, and preserving an art form.”

"Every block we carve, every print we pull—it’s more than tradition, it’s resistance. We don’t just preserve the past; we push it forward, shaping a future where craft refuses to fade."

Q: Can you tell us about yourself and your journey with Tharangini?

Padmini: I'm Padmini Govind, and my mother founded Tharangini in the mid-1970s. We are the oldest surviving textile heritage studio in Bangalore, specializing in sustainable, organic, and ethical hand block printing.

At Tharangini, we work with a strong team of artisans and have evolved our craft to stay relevant while staying rooted in our rich history. We take pride in being a women-owned studio that has upheld traditional craftsmanship for decades. For me, Tharangini is not just a business but a continuation of a cultural legacy. I grew up surrounded by the rhythmic stamping of blocks, the smell of natural dyes, and the stories of artisans who have been with us for generations. My journey has been about finding ways to preserve and evolve this craft in a rapidly modernizing world.

"This isn’t just revival—it’s reinvention. Craft evolves, tradition adapts, and every piece we create is a bridge between history and what comes next."

"Being a woman-led studio since the 1970s is more than a milestone—it’s a statement. Women have always been part of the craft, but now, we lead, innovate, and shape its future."

Q: How does Tharangini break boundaries in the world of art and textiles?

Padmini: We push boundaries in multiple ways:

  1. Since the mid-70s, we have been a proudly women-led business, ensuring that women in creative fields have a strong representation in the textile industry.
  2. Our studio operates as a collaborative space rather than a hierarchical one. The artisans, who are the true skilled workers, have the freedom to run Tharangini as they see best.
  3. Instead of resisting change, we incorporate digital advancements into our practice. We have collaborated with AI-based artists to merge traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, creating a bridge between past and future.

Q: How have women influenced the craft of block printing?

Padmini: Women have always played a crucial role in the evolution of block printing. Traditionally, they have been involved in various stages of textile production, from dyeing to embroidery. However, in recent years, women have stepped into leadership roles, ensuring that the craft adapts to modern trends while staying true to its roots. At Tharangini, we take pride in being a women-owned studio that encourages female artisans to innovate and lead.

Q: What advice would you give to young women looking to enter the world of art and textiles?

Padmini: I would tell them to be fearless in their creativity. Learn the traditional techniques, but don’t be afraid to experiment. The world of textiles is vast, and there is so much room for new voices, new ideas, and new interpretations of ancient crafts. Surround yourself with a supportive community, stay persistent, and believe in your vision.

The survival of traditional art forms depends on balancing heritage with innovation. By keeping artisan-led businesses alive, embracing sustainability, and integrating technology, we can ensure that ancient crafts not only endure but thrive in the modern world.

As a women-led creative enterprise, Tharangini continues to be a space for artistic expression, empowerment, and cultural preservation. Our journey proves that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand, paving the way for a more ethical and sustainable future in art and fashion.

"Sustainability isn’t just about what we use—it’s about who we uplift. It’s the artisans, the techniques, the stories carried in every thread, kept alive with every print."

Q: What are some of the greatest challenges of running a hand block printing studio in an increasingly capitalist ecosystem?

The biggest challenge today is adapting to a world that is becoming increasingly digital. People shop, design, and consume online, making it more difficult for handcrafted products to compete.

Additionally, in a tech-driven city like Bangalore, fewer people are choosing to pursue artistic careers. Many opt for mainstream office jobs or work in companies like Swiggy and Ola, making it harder to sustain the next generation of artisans. However, despite these challenges, we are proud to continue this tradition with an incredible team of craftspeople.

Q: What do millennial consumers value when it comes to handcrafted textiles?

Padmini: Today’s consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, want more than just handcrafted products. They are deeply concerned about climate change, sustainability, and ethical production.

Being a fair-trade unit and ensuring carbon neutrality is just as important as the artistry itself. The "behind-the-scenes"—our ethics, values, and environmental responsibility—matter as much as the final product. This shift in consumer behavior gives us an opportunity to stay relevant and align our work with the principles that modern buyers care about.

Preserving Heritage Through Craft: Padmini Govind’s Commitment to Tradition and Innovation

"Craft is more than just making something beautiful—it holds history, identity, and soul. Every block, every design has a story to tell." — Padmini Govind

Padmini Govind’s journey is a testament to the resilience of traditional craft in a world of fast fashion and machine-made alternatives. With years of dedication, she has not only mastered her art but also worked tirelessly to preserve it for future generations. Through her work, she ensures that heritage remains more than just a memory. By teaching, advocating, and continuing her craft, she proves that handmade artistry is not a relic of the past—it is a living, breathing tradition that deserves to thrive.

Credits

Producer - No Borders team
Director - Zayira Ray
HMU - Elton John
Set design - Zayira Ray, Elton John & Aishwarya Gajare 

Styled in - No Borders in-house 🪡 & MARGN

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