In the quiet village of Nirona, nestled in Gujarat’s Kutch region, a centuries-old whisper of colour and craft continues to speak through cloth. Rogan art is an exquisite textile painting tradition that embodies not just artistic mastery but the resilience of cultural memory. It was born over 400 years ago and sustained by the Khatri family. This rare form of freehand painting using castor oil and natural pigments is more than decoration, it is a living testament to India’s soul stitched in oil and imagination.
Rogan art is a unique form of cloth painting that blends Persian influences with Gujarati folk traditions. The term “Rogan” derives from the Persian word for oil, referencing the castor oil-based paint that defines the craft. Practiced exclusively by the Khatri family of Nirona, Rogan art is known for its symmetrical motifs, trees of life, peacocks, flowers, that reflect both aesthetic beauty and symbolic depth.
The process begins with boiling castor oil for hours until it transforms into a sticky, resinous paste. This is then mixed with natural pigments and chalk powder to create vibrant colours. Artists use a metal stylus to draw the paint into fine threads, hovering it above the fabric to form intricate designs without stencils. Traditionally, half the design is painted and then mirrored by folding the cloth, creating symmetrical patterns that are later refined by hand.
Rogan art is a rare and labour-intensive craft that preserves the cultural identity of Kutch. Its motifs often symbolize prosperity, fertility and folklore, making it integral to ceremonial textiles and local storytelling. Once on the brink of extinction, Rogan art has been revived through national recognition, artisan innovation and global diplomacy—most notably when Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Rogan paintings to world leaders, elevating the craft to a symbol of India’s intangible heritage.
Where the Magic Begins: Paint Preparation
The heart of Rogan lies in its paint. Each colour is prepared separately and stored in water to maintain elasticity. When it is ready, the artist places a dollop on the palm, softens it with a stylus and begins the meditative act of painting which shows an alchemy of patience, precision and passion.
Motifs That Speak
Every Rogan design carry meaning. The Tree of Life symbolizes growth and interconnectedness; Floral motifs design like marigolds evoke joy and abundance; geometric patterns reflect harmony and infinity. Fauna like parrots, elephants and eagles represent love, wisdom and protection. Human figures depict rural life, while Persian calligraphy and bird motifs reveal the layered cultural influences. These elements transform each Rogan piece into a visual poem of Kutch’s spirit.
Traditional Rogan art is rich with symbolic motifs that reflect the cultural, spiritual and everyday life of Kutch’s communities. The mango as a sign of divine sweetness. Human figures often depict rural scenes, honouring women’s roles in tradition. Persian calligraphy and Islamic architectural elements appear in older works, while bird motifs used by Hindu Khatris celebrate freedom and vitality. These designs, arranged in borders or narrative compositions, transform each Rogan piece into a vibrant identity and heritage.
When Revival Became Revolution
The 1970s and 1980s saw Rogan art nearly vanish due to industrialization, but the Khatri family, led by Abdulgafur Khatri, refused to let it fade. With support from the Gujarat government and a shift toward artistic innovation, Rogan art found new life. Iconic designs like the Tree of Life gained global attention and the craft evolved from functional textiles to museum-worthy masterpieces. Today, Nirona stands as a beacon of revival, where tradition meets transformation.
The revival of Rogan art is powered by passionate artisans. Abdulgafur Khatri, a Padma Shri awardee and his family have trained hundreds of women and youth, breaking centuries of male-only practice. Artists like Ashish Kansara and Asmita Soni in Bhuj have expanded the craft’s reach, mentored new generations and introduced Rogan to broader audiences. Workshops, festivals and community programs now make this once-secret art accessible and inclusive. The Kansara family involves children like Vasudev Kansara, showing intergenerational training and a focus on passing on skills to the very young. Komal Kansara actively teaches Rogan art in workshops and educational settings and runs initiatives specifically designed to introduce women to the craft, ensuring broader community participation. Rogan craft training is now regularly available through workshops in Nirona, Bhuj and craft festivals across Gujarat. These sessions accommodate tourists, students and aspiring artists, making Rogan art more accessible than ever before.
Rogan art has become a cultural ambassador, showcasing India’s heritage on global stages. Its intricate designs and symbolic motifs speak of Indian aesthetics and values. Through exhibitions, diplomatic gifts and artisan-led initiatives, Rogan art has reached international audiences, earning admiration for its uniqueness and emotional depth. It is not just art, it is India’s story told in colour and oil.
Government and NGOs have played a vital role in Rogan’s survival. From providing exhibition platforms and training programs to promoting artisan welfare and disaster resilience, these efforts have built a supportive ecosystem. Financial aid, skill development and market access have empowered Rogan artists to thrive, ensuring that this fragile heritage continues to flourish.
A Masterpiece of Spirit and Skill
Rogan Art of Gujarat spreads Indian culture globally by showcasing a unique traditional craft that is intertwined with Indian heritage and aesthetics. The art form, originating from Persia but sustained and enriched in Kutch, Gujarat, expresses Indian cultural motifs and stories through intricate oil-based cloth paintings, making it a vibrant ambassador of Indian traditions beyond the nation’s borders.
Globally, Rogan Art has made a significant impact by gaining international recognition through gifts to world leaders such as the “Tree of Life” painting gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to former US President Barack Obama. This international exposure has helped raise awareness and appreciation of Indian craftsmanship worldwide, leading to its presence in exhibitions, cultural festivals and markets beyond India.
Rogan art is revered not only for its technique but for its soul. The freehand painting, symbolic motifs and castor oil alchemy make it a masterpiece of patience and precision. Preserved by a single family for generations, it stands as a symbol of cultural resilience and artistic excellence. Rogan is not just a craft—it is a legacy, a lifeline and a luminous thread in India’s culture.
Check out our latest article on A Folk Tradition on the Brink: Bihar’s Manjusha
