Kalamkari is a highly popular form of hand-painted or block-printed painting tradition practised in Andhra Pradesh. The art tradition involves painting cotton fabric with a kalam i.e. pen, which is usually done with a sharp-pointed bamboo that regulates the flow of colour on the fabric.
The name originates from Persian words qalam (pen) and kari (craftmanship). Andhra Pradesh is quite famous all over for this form of art. The major forms are Srikalahasthi from Chittoor district, and Machilipatnam Kalamkari of Krishna district. This style initially evolved during the period of Mughal Dynasty and later it was practiced widely by the artisans of Golconda Sultanate. There are a wide range of textile products produced using Kalamkari style like bedsheets, wall hangings, clothing, curtains, and saris etc. Andhra Pradesh produces some of the finest quality Kalamkari prints of export quality.
Machilipatnam, Pedana, Andhra pradesh
