What is Kalamkari?
Kalamkari is a traditional Indian textile art that involves hand-painting or block-printing on fabric using natural dyes. The name comes from the Persian words:
- “Kalam” meaning pen, and
- “Kari” meaning craftsmanship.
So, Kalamkari literally means “pen work” or “art done with a pen.”
Origin & History
- Originated over 3,000 years ago in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
- It flourished under Mughal and Golconda Sultanate patronage.
- Used to narrate epic stories from Hindu mythology like the Ramayana and Mahabharata on temple cloths.
Types of Kalamkari
- Srikalahasti Style (Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh):
- Freehand painting using a bamboo kalam (pen).
- Highly detailed scenes of mythology, gods, and nature.
- Labor-intensive with 17+ steps, all done by hand.
- Machilipatnam Style (Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh):
- Block-printed using hand-carved wooden blocks.
- Features floral, animal, and decorative motifs.
- More commercial and widely used in clothing and home decor.
Dyeing & Process
- 100% natural dyes from plants, flowers, bark, and minerals.
- Common colors:
- Red from madder root
- Blue from indigo
- Yellow from turmeric
- Black from jaggery + iron solution
- Fabric is sun-dried, washed, and painted/printed in multiple stages.
Uses of Kalamkari
- Sarees, salwar suits, dupatta, kurtis
- Bedsheets, cushion covers, wall hangings, table cloths
- Now also used in fusion wear and home deco.
- Why is Kalamkari Special?
- Eco-friendly: Uses no chemicals or synthetic dyes.
- Handcrafted: Each piece is unique and artisan-made.
- Culturally rich: Tells stories through art.
- Fashionable: A mix of traditional and modern appeal.
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