Ajrakh sarees are not just fabrics. They are a living tradition. They are made with patience, skill, and respect for nature. Because of their beauty and growing demand, many fake Ajrakh sarees are now sold in the market.

Most fake Ajrakh sarees are printed using machines and chemical dyes. They look similar at first glance, but they are not real.

This guide will help you identify an original Ajrakh saree step by step. After reading this, you will be able to buy Ajrakh sarees with confidence and clarity.

Why Ajrakh Authenticity Matters in Handloom Shopping

Ajrakh is a slow craft. A single saree can take weeks or even months to complete. It involves many stages of washing, dyeing, printing, and drying.

When you buy a fake Ajrakh:

• You overpay for a printed copy
• You miss out on natural comfort
• The colours fade quickly
• You do not support real artisans

When you buy an authentic Ajrakh saree:

• The fabric becomes better with time
• The colours age beautifully
• The saree feels comfortable on the skin
• You own a true handloom heritage piece

That is why learning about authenticity checks is very important.

Also read:- How to Style Mangalagiri Cotton Sarees for Office, Daily Wear & Festive Occasions

What Is an Authentic Ajrakh Saree? (Craft & Tradition)

An original Ajrakh saree is made using:

• Hand block printing
• Natural dyes
• Repeated printing on both sides
• Careful symmetry and balance

Ajrakh comes from the regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The craft follows strict traditional rules. Every pattern has meaning. Every colour comes from nature.

Key Features of Authentic Ajrakh

• Printed using wooden blocks
• Dyed with natural dyes like indigo and madder
• Designs appear on both sides of the fabric
• Colours look deep but soft
• Fabric feels breathable and natural

Ajrakh is not loud or shiny. Its beauty is calm and timeless.

Natural Dyes vs Chemical Dyes – How to Tell the Difference

One of the biggest differences between real and fake Ajrakh is the type of dye used.

Natural Dye Ajrakh Sarees

Authentic Ajrakh uses natural dyes made from:

• Plants
• Roots
• Minerals

These dyes:

• Look deep, but not shiny
• Feels soothing to the eyes
• Change slightly with time (this is natural)
• Do not look harsh or neon

Common Ajrakh colours are:

• Indigo blue
• Deep red
• Black
• Off-white

Chemical Dye Printed Ajrakh

Fake Ajrakh sarees use chemical dyes. These:

• Look very bright or glossy
• Have flat, lifeless colours
• Fade unevenly after wash
• Sometimes bleed colour

If the colour looks too bright or artificial, it is likely not original Ajrakh.

Also read:- How to Identify Genuine Handloom Sarees – Complete Buyer’s Guide

Symmetry & Reverse Printing – The Hallmark of Real Ajrakh

This is one of the strongest authenticity checks.

Check the Front and Back of the Saree

Original Hand-Block Ajrakh

• The design is visible on both sides
• Front and back look almost the same
• Colours are equally strong on both sides

This happens because Ajrakh is printed multiple times on both sides.

Fake Printed Ajrakh

• The design looks clear only on one side
• The back side looks faded or white
• Fabric feels coated on the front

Important rule: If the back side looks dull, it is not authentic Ajrakh.

Check the Symmetry

Ajrakh designs follow strict symmetry rules:

• Patterns align perfectly at the centre
• Borders are balanced
• Repetition looks thoughtful, not random

Machine prints may look neat, but they often lack true symmetry depth.

Also read:- Chanderi Saree Colour Guide: Best Shades for Bridal, Festive & Traditional Looks (2026)

Smell, Texture & Fabric Feel – Simple At-Home Checks

You do not need any tools to do these checks. Your senses are enough.

Smell Test

• Authentic Ajrakh may have a mild earthy smell
• This comes from natural dyes and repeated washing
• It is never sharp or chemical-like

Fake Ajrakh may smell:

• Like chemicals
• Like factory fabric
• Very strong or artificial

Touch & Texture Test

Original Ajrakh Fabric

• Feels soft and breathable
• Slightly textured, not flat
• Comfortable for long wear
• Not slippery or plastic-like

Printed Ajrakh Copy

• Feels smooth like paper]
• Sometimes stiff
• Less breathable
• Gets uncomfortable in the heat

Natural fabrics always feel kinder on the skin.

Why Powerloom & Printed Ajrakh Looks “Too Perfect”

Perfection is often a warning sign.

Signs of Fake Printed Ajrakh

• Very sharp pattern edges
• Same design repeated exactly
• No variation anywhere
• Fabric looks factory-finished

Signs of Real Hand-Block Ajrakh

• Very tiny variations in print
• Soft edges, not sharp lines
• Human touch visible
• Each piece feels unique

Ajrakh celebrates craftsmanship, not machine perfection.

Price Reality – Why Original Ajrakh Cannot Be Cheap

Ajrakh sarees involve:

• Natural dye preparation
• Multiple washing cycles
• Repeated hand printing
• Long drying time
• Skilled artisan labour

Because of this, original Ajrakh sarees are never very cheap.

Realistic Price Range

• Authentic hand-block Ajrakh sarees usually start from ₹4,000
• Premium pieces can go higher based on fabric and work

Red Flag Prices

• Extremely low prices
• “Ajrakh print” without explanation
• Big discounts on “pure Ajrakh.”

If the price feels too good to be true, it usually is.

Quick Authenticity Checklist (Save This)

Before buying an Ajrakh saree, check this list:

• Natural, deep colours (not shiny)
• Design visible on both sides
• Mild earthy smell
• Soft, breathable fabric
• Slight print variations
• Balanced and symmetrical patterns
• Price is realistic

If most points match, you are likely buying an authentic Ajrakh saree.

Common Myths About Ajrakh Sarees

1. Myth: Ajrakh always looks rough
   Truth: Authentic Ajrakh becomes softer with use.
2. Myth: Printed Ajrakh is also a handloom
   Truth: Printing and hand block are completely different.
3. Myth: Bright colours mean better quality
   Truth: Natural dyes are soft, not loud.

Why Buying Authentic Ajrakh Is Worth It

An original Ajrakh saree:

• Lasts for many years
• Ages beautifully
• Feels comfortable in all seasons
• Connects you to tradition
• Supports artisan communities

It is not fast fashion. It is a thoughtful fashion.

Conclusion: Buy Authentic Ajrakh Sarees with Confidence

Ajrakh sarees are special. Once you know how to check natural dyes, reverse printing, fabric feel, and price reality, you will never be confused again.

Take your time. Ask questions. Trust your senses.

Explore authentic hand-block Ajrakh sarees made using traditional natural dyes, shop with confidence at Shashikala. Choose real craft. Choose comfort. Choose authenticity.