What is Kalamkari art

Kalamkari art dates back to ancient times.

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It is an Indian traditional style of hand painting using natural dyes and tamarind pens, made on a tightly stretched cotton or silk cloth. It is a generational and eye-catching art form.

‘kalamkari’ art is derived from the Persian word ‘kalam,’ meaning ‘pen,’ and ‘Kari,’ meaning artisanship. The making of this art involves 23 meticulous steps of painting, dyeing, bleaching, stretching, block printing, cleaning, and more.

In ancient times, folk singers and artists traveled across the villages and told stories of Hindu mythology to the villagers. Over time, however, the tradition of storytelling developed in canvas painting

This style of painting gained popularity during the Mughal period. The Mughals popularized the art in the provinces of Golconda and Coromandel, where it was practiced by skilled artisans (called Qalamkars).