
Jabbar Khatri, a skilled artisan from Nirona in Kutch, Gujarat, is dedicated to preserving the traditional Rogan art, a craft that has been passed down through generations in his family. This intricate art form, which involves painting on fabric using a thick paste made from castor oil and natural pigments, was taught to him by his father, Shri Khatri Arab Hasam, and his uncle, Padamshree Khatri Abdugafur Daud. Both men were renowned practitioners of Rogan art, and their legacy continues through Jabbar’s work.
Jabbar Khatri has shared his expertise with a broader audience by conducting workshops at prestigious design institutes such as the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), the National Institute of Design (NID), and Pearl Academy. His craft has also been showcased at notable events like India Craft Week and the Rann Utsav, bringing Rogan art to the attention of art enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs alike. His contributions to the field have been recognized with several awards, including the International Craft Award in 2019 and the Gujarat State Award in 2014.
In recent years, Jabbar Khatri has embraced digital platforms to further uplift and promote Rogan art. By using social media and online marketplaces, he has reached a global audience, allowing him to sell his products directly to customers worldwide. This digital presence has not only increased the visibility of Rogan art but has also helped sustain the craft by attracting new customers and encouraging younger generations to learn and practice this traditional art form.
At the Digital Artisans of India Award 2023-24, Jabbar Khatri was recognised with the first prize for using digital to not only increase the visibility of Rogan art but has also helped sustain the craft by attracting new customers and encouraging younger generations to learn and practice this traditional art form.