Hand block printing at A.K. International

Who We Are

About Us

Five generations of Chhipa block printers from Sanganer — preserving heritage through export, wholesale, and retail.

Rising Rajasthan 2024

Awdhesh Kumar at Rising Rajasthan

We are proud to have participated in Rising Rajasthan 2024, where we had the chance to showcase the beautiful craft of block printing. It was a special moment for us to stand alongside my father, Shri Awdhesh Kumar Pandey, and share this traditional art form with the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji.

Block printing is more than just a craft — it is a part of our heritage, passed down through generations. My father has dedicated his life to preserving this art, and it was an honour to represent his efforts and the work of skilled artisans who keep this tradition alive.

Our aim is to celebrate and promote the rich culture of Rajasthan through our hand block printed designs. This opportunity inspires us to continue sharing this unique art with the world while supporting the talented hands behind it.

Authentic hand block printing with timeless craftsmanship, sustainable materials, and elegant contemporary designs.

Heritage

Our Story

The world-famous Sanganeri print is known for exquisite hand block print fabrics with azo-free and natural dyes. We belong to the traditional hand block printing community of Sanganer, Jaipur.

1940s

Balji Harnath Hala

Shri Harnath ji and their son Shri Balchand ji Pandey began hand block printing, selling dupattas and fadat at local hatwaras in Jaipur — marking each piece with their name for authenticity.

1971

Ram Kishore Awdhesh Kumar

Shri Ram Kishore ji Pandey established the company to supply government emporiums and trade partners across India.

1994

A.K. International & A.K. Textiles

Awdhesh Pandey expanded the legacy — A.K. International for export and A.K. Textiles for domestic trade.

2012

Awdhesh Kumar

Khushiram Pandey launched the retail brand after design studies, bringing block printing to a new generation of customers worldwide.

We chose to revive and revitalize our ancestral work through an innovative approach and inherited skill in hand block printing and vegetable dyeing. We work with different printing and dyeing techniques, including those listed below.

Syahi Beggar Printing Dabu Printing Indigo Sol Printing Pigment Printing Acid Printing Natural Dyeing

The Workshop

Our Team

We produce exclusive, skilfully handcrafted textile and home furnishings in cotton, linen, and silk using the specialized skills of our block printing artisans. Our vision is to sustain traditional skills by exploring new opportunities.

100+

Artisans on fair trade basis

Table printing unit

Sewing machines

10,000

Blocks in our range

Leadership

About the Founders

Fourth Generation

Awdhesh Pandey

Managing Director, AK Group

A fourth-generation block printing master artisan from the Chhipa community. A block printer, craft revivalist, and expert in natural dyeing — he has taught students from around the world since 1990. Nearly 2,000 textile students have gained knowledge of natural dyeing and printing through his guidance.

He teaches dyeing and printing as visiting textile faculty at institutes including NIFT Delhi, IICD Jaipur, Pearl Academy Jaipur, Banasthali Vidyapith Jaipur, Women Polytechnic College Jaipur, and Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Jodhpur.

He manages social work at Rangaichapai Kala Prakosth, dedicated entirely to hand block printing artisans.

Achievements

National Award (President), Govt. of India — 2009
National Merit Award (President), Govt. of India — 2008
State Award in Natural Dyes, Govt. of Rajasthan — 1986
Utakristh Shilpi Award, Uttar Pradesh Government — 1996
Jaipur Ratana Award, Rajasthan Government — 1997
Kala Shri Award, Haryana Government — 2001
Kala Nidhi Award, Suraj Kund Craft Samiti — 2006

Fifth Generation

Khushiram Pandey

Creative Director, AK Group

A fifth-generation block printing artisan and designer from the Chhipa community of Sanganer — a famous printing hub in Jaipur, Rajasthan. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Craft and Design (IICD), Jaipur.

During his studies, he focused on textile product design, culminating in a final-year project with the City Palace Museum of Jaipur — creating a collection of prints and garments inspired by regional architecture.

He is currently Creative Director of AK Group and leads the brand Awdhesh Kumar, dealing in exporting, wholesaling, and retailing of block printed textiles. His goal is to sustain the ancient craft of block printing while giving new direction and innovation to prints and designs.

Read our full story

Partner with us

Export inquiries, wholesale orders, and retail partnerships — we welcome conversations with buyers worldwide.