Batik literally means 'wax writing'. The fact which lies behind the Batik paints is indigenous to India as to Indonesia or Malaysia or Japan. But Indians knew the technique of Batik art for some 2000 years back.

For this art rice starch and wax resists are being used for printing. This batik technique had lost its popularity because of tedious procedures of waxing and then dewaxing. But then it was kept alive as a hobby by the aristocratic ladies and then later revived in the 20th century.

Murals, wall hangings, paintings, household linen, and scarves are immensely treasured possessions for the household in India. Batik Paintings which are native to the states of West Bengal, Odisha and Tamil Nadu are very much famous for their originality, uniqueness and fine art work. Batik is the art form of creating images on the cotton cloth which makes use of the wax resistant method.

A batik artist needs to have a good sense of colors and patterns. The motifs which are used in batik are simple. A good knowledge of color gradations and tack to remove wax finely are required. Applying the most important wax resist and systematic cracking are the attributes of a beautiful art piece. The characteristic and traditional batik effect is created by cracking of wax on very much lighter hues and seeping in of the darker colors.

Batik painting is an art form that is ancient and certainly one of the most beautiful found in India. This type of fabric painting uses the best quality textiles, fabrics and vegetable dyes which are used together with a variety of threads of cotton and silk. It enhances the appearance of the artwork. It has been practiced in India for over 2100 years now. Batik painting includes an elaborate three stage process that includes waxing, dyeing and de-waxing. There are sub-processes in this process of painting that includes a big list. One can prepare the cloth, trace the designs and stretch the cloth on the frame.

The first step includes giving the cotton cloth a thorough washing and to remove the starch. The cloth is then dried, ironed and stretched on a wooden frame. The second step involves making of a rough charcoal sketch which serves as a guide for the painting. The design develops gradually with each coat of waxing. The third process includes the application of the wax that is a protective agent in the dyeing process. The wax which is usually a mixture of paraffin, resin and yellow bees wax is melted and handled with care.

Batik Painting is then done with a brass pen -shaped structure that is like a small cup with single or double spout. This pen is used in coloring the negative way by filling the space where we do not want the color to appear. The process is quite tedious and does not have room for serious errors.

The artist repeats the process of the first step after each color that the artist decides to use. The artist will wash the waxed piece in boiling water. The entire process of wax removing and wax covering for more colors will continue till the artist feels that his work is complete. The fourth stage is application of colors or dyes to the painting using a brush.

In case of very large areas, the cloth is removed from the frame and dipped in a basin of dye. The final stage includes the removal of wax residue and the fixing of colors, immersing the cloth into boiling water with a small amount of detergent. The cloth is then rinsed in cold water. The complete painting is then dipped in a diluted solution of sulphuric acid to give the colors permanency.

Several handmade Batik tapestries are made of various kinds of hand woven threads to give it a specific quality. This art form usually is three-dimensional and has features of depth and texture. Batik print is done on saris, wall hangings, bed spreads, cushion covers, shawls, etc. They are available in the market in various handloom stores, boutiques and crafts exhibitions across the Indian country.