This talk focuses on traditional block prints from the ecological zone of the Thar Desert. Culturally recognised as Marwar in western Rajasthan, bordering Sindh in Pakistan, the local flora of the region inspired block carvers to evolve a sophisticated array of stylised motifs that became foundational to the ethnic textile identity of the desert’s indigenous communities. These communities wore these printed designs until the mid-20th century, when mechanised textile production and fast fashion eroded their visual vocabulary. Dr Madan Meena is a Rajasthan-based artist, folklore researcher, and textile revivalist dedicated to documenting and preserving the cultural heritage of western India’s rural, nomadic, and tribal communities. His research explores some of Rajasthan’s oldest folk traditions through the lived experiences of their last living practitioners.