Kalamkari Paintings – Complete Detailed Information

Kalamkari is an ancient Indian art form involving hand-painting or block-printing on fabric. The term “Kalamkari” comes from two Persian words:

• Kalam meaning pen
• Kari meaning craftsmanship

So, Kalamkari literally means “pen work” or “art done with a pen.” This art form is renowned for its intricate detailing, mythological themes, and use of natural dyes.

🖌️ Types of Kalamkari

There are two main styles of Kalamkari painting in India:

1. Srikalahasti Style (Andhra Pradesh)

• Done with freehand drawing using a kalam (bamboo pen)
• Subjects are mythological stories from Hindu epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas.
• Originates from Srikalahasti town near Tirupati.
• Entirely hand-drawn and hand-painted.
• Practiced by temple artists.
• Requires 23-step process, including treatment of cloth, dyeing, painting, and washing.

2. Machilipatnam (Pedana) Style (Andhra Pradesh)

• Uses wooden blocks for printing motifs.
• More decorative and used for sarees, textiles, and home décor.
• Patterns include floral, animal, and geometric motifs.
• Produced in and around Pedana, near Machilipatnam.

🎨 Themes in Kalamkari Art

• Hindu mythology: Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavatam
• Religious figures: Krishna, Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha, Lakshmi
• Tree of life, lotus, peacocks, elephants, birds
• Buddhist themes (historically)
• Persian influence in Machilipatnam style due to Mughal patronage

🌿 Materials Used

• Cloth: Cotton or silk is used as the base
• Pen: Pointed bamboo stick with hair for tip (used in Srikalahasti)
• Dyes: 100% natural and plant-based, like:
  • Indigo – blue
  • Pomegranate peel – yellow
  • Alum – mordant (helps fix dyes)
  • Myrobalan – base treatment
  • Iron acetate – black
  • Jaggery and rusted iron – for black color
• No use of synthetic chemicals or colors.

🔄 Steps Involved in Kalamkari Painting

1. Preparing the fabric: Soaking in cow dung and bleach, then dried in the sun.
2. Treating with myrobalan (haritaki fruit) for tannin.
3. Drawing outlines with a kalam (pen) using iron acetate.
4. Filling colors using natural vegetable dyes.
5. Boiling and washing the cloth multiple times to fix colors and remove excess dye.
6. Drying and final touches.

🏛️ Historical Background

• Traced back to over 3000 years, flourishing during Buddhist times.
• Became prominent under Mughal rule, and later patronized by Golconda Sultanate.
• Used as temple cloths, canopies, scrolls, and storytelling aids.
• The name “Kalamkari” was given during the Persian-Mughal era.

🧵 Kalamkari in Modern Times

• Widely used in sarees, dupattas, bedsheets, wall hangings, bags, and home decor.
• A symbol of sustainable and eco-friendly fashion.
• Highly appreciated for its aesthetic appeal and cultural value.
• Integrated into contemporary designs and fashion shows.
• Available in boutiques and handloom exhibitions worldwide.

🏅 Recognition and Protection

• Kalamkari art of Machilipatnam has Geographical Indication (GI) Tag.
• Protected under Indian Handicrafts and Traditional Knowledge.

📍 Places Famous for Kalamkari

• Srikalahasti (Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh)
• Pedana/Machilipatnam (Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh)
• Kalahasti Temple precincts

📚 Kalamkari and Education

• Used as a storytelling medium in ancient times.
• Often served as visual aids for religious and moral instruction in temples.
• Presently taught in design schools, art institutions, and craft villages.

🔎 Interesting Facts

• Kalamkari requires days to weeks to complete, depending on the size and complexity.
• No two Kalamkari artworks are exactly alike due to hand-made nature.
• Natural dyes used are skin-friendly and sustainable.
• Kalamkari is often confused with Madhubani or Pattachitra, but it has distinct Persian and South Indian roots.

Kalamkari Paintings

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