Fashion doesn’t always move forward—sometimes the most radical style move is to reach back through the centuries. And The Shikargah print, your golden ticket to Mughal-era opulence. This isn’t just a pattern; it’s a woven safari for the aristocracy.
This isn’t just fabric—it’s wearable artistry that’s survived empires, with every leaping stag and swooping falcon in its design whispering secrets from India’s royal past. While fast fashion burns out,
Shikargah’s intricate hunting scenes keep reigniting on modern runways—proof that some designs are born legendary. 2025’s twist? Seeing this aristocratic motif slay on everything from streetwear hoodies to bridal lehengas, because true heritage never goes out of style—it just gets remixed.
What is Shikargah Print?
Shikargah is wearable history at its most lavish. Born from Persian and Hindi roots meaning “hunting ground,” this isn’t your average floral motif. We’re talking textile theater—where every swirl of thread stages Mughal-era hunting dramas with:
- Elephants carrying royalty through embroidered jungles
- Tigers frozen mid-stalk in silk-thread undergrowth
- Deer vaulting across borders of hand-woven forests
The craftsmanship? It has miniature painting-level detail—except instead of paper, the canvas is premium fabric. This is how you wear a legacy without saying a word.
Because true luxury doesn’t shout. It hunts.
Shikargah print is a wearable painting. A silent poem in silk.
A Glimpse Into History
A Royal Legacy: The Story of Shikargah
Let’s rewind to the Mughal era—an age when art wasn’t just decoration, but a flex of power. The Shikargah print didn’t just exist; it ruled. Born from the marriage of Persian miniature precision and Indian fresco grandeur, this wasn’t mere fabric—it was a VIP pass to the aristocracy.
Imagine:
- Royal ateliers where artisans turned silk into safari scrolls—every block print and loom weave a testament to patience and prestige
- Zari threads catching the light like gilded trophies, because hunting motifs deserved nothing less than metallic drama
- Banaras’ master weavers treating each piece like a textile epic, where tigers, elephants, and hunters played their parts in thread
Fast forward to today, and Shikargah still hunts down attention—whether it’s in a Banarasi saree passed through generations or a contemporary reinterpretation on global runways.
Shikargah print roof that some legacies don’t fade. They evolve.
Types of Shikargah Prints You’ll See Today
Over time, the Shikargah aesthetic has evolved — and that’s the magic of it. Here are some ways you’ll spot this heritage beauty in the modern world:
Handwoven Shikargah
Most popular in Banarasi sarees, this version features intricate hunting scenes woven in gold and silver zari on rich silk. Every motif is a masterpiece.
Block-Printed Shikargah
Found in Rajasthan and Gujarat, artisans hand-stamp these prints onto cotton or silk. The result? A rustic, earthy version of a regal legacy.
Embroidered Shikargah
Here, motifs are brought to life with threadwork, often embellished with mirror work or sequins. Perfect for wedding wear or festive fashion.
Digitally Printed Shikargah
For those who crave tradition with a twist, digital prints offer affordability and accessibility, keeping the vibe vintage while making it wearable every day.
Home Decor Shikargah
Yes, it’s made its way to cushions, wall tapestries, and even sofas. A subtle way to bring heritage into your home.
What Makes Shikargah Print So Unique?
It’s not just about animals and royalty. The charm lies in the artistry — the fine lines, lush borders, and storytelling layout that plays out across the fabric.
From regal reds and deep emeralds to muted golds and charcoal blacks, the color palettes echo royal courts and forest adventures. Pair that with woven zari, and you’ve got a textile that feels like history breathing.
And the best part? No two pieces look exactly alike.
Shikargah in Modern Fashion: Where Past Meets Present
This once-royal print has found a modern audience — from high-end designers to slow fashion labels. You’ll see it in:
Banarasi sarees for weddings and festivals
- Long jackets and capes paired with crop tops
- Skirts with hunting motifs styled for fashion weeks
- Shikargah-print dupattas worn with solid suits
- Even Indo-western blazers with a twist of tradition
Designers are blending Shikargah heritage with modern silhouettes, giving us pieces that feel both nostalgic and fresh.
Why You Need a Shikargah Piece in Your Wardrobe
Let’s be honest — we all want fashion that says something. And Shikargah print? It speaks volumes.
- It’s rich in detail but never overpowering.
- Also, it is steeped in history, yet relevant today.
- Lastly, it’s bold yet elegant, artsy yet wearable.
Whether you’re heading to a wedding, a cultural event, or just want to turn heads with a standout jacket, a touch of Shikargah brings drama and depth.
And for those who love sustainable fashion, this is a legacy you wear, support, and pass on.
Final Thoughts: Where Fashion Becomes a Story
Shikargah print isn’t just fabric — it’s India’s storytelling tradition woven into silk and thread. It reminds us that fashion isn’t always about what’s next. Sometimes, it’s about honoring what came before.
So next time you see a Banarasi saree with a jungle scene, or a handcrafted dupatta with tigers and elephants dancing through vines, pause.
You’re not just looking at a print. You’re looking at history, heritage, and heart.
Art is always going to be timeless. And the classic artistic designs like Meenakari, Gulaabi Meenakari, Madhubani Print, etc, are always holding to hold a special and powerful place in the Fashion Industry.
Have you worn Shikargah before? Or planning to add it to your collection?
Let me know in the comments — and tag me on Insta when you do. I’d love to see how you style your piece of the past