Kalamkari has been derived from two Hindi words, which are kalam and kari meaning kalam and art work. Therefore, kalamkari refers to artwork that is done using a pen. Kalamkari paintings are very popular in India and this art has been practiced since ages. To get the designs on cloth vegetable dyes are employed. In many parts of India, this style of painting in which organic dyes are applied on cloth was very popular. However, this style grew rapidly in places like Masulipatnam and Kalahasti in south India.
The tradition of Kalamkari mainly comprises various scenes from the pages of Hindu mythology. The artwork depicted figures of Hindu gods and goddesses, with ornate and embellished borders to decorate temples. Weavers in Masulipatnam were more fond of block printing and on the other hand a group of Balojas in Kalahasti who made bangles took an interest to this art. Due to Muslim reign in Golconda, Kalamkari in Masulipatnam was largely influenced by all kinds of Persian designs and motifs. These designs were adapted in order to suit the taste of Indian people. All the main features and the outlines are made by using good hand-carved blocks. The finer parts of the detailing are done later on with the help of a pen.
After Britain took over India, the designs of this art and even the type of fabric were changed. There were different styles for both furnishings as well as garments. During the period of British rule, floral designs were more in demand and thus the artisans kept to the popularity. They also attempted to create portraits of men from England on cloth. In case of the Kalahasti tradition that flourished around the temple area, mostly used themes from Hindu epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana, mythology, and images of heroes and Gods. The artists made use of a date palm or a bamboo stick with one pointed. To this end, a cluster of fine hair would be attached and it served as a pen or a brush.
Traditionally organic dyes were used to makes the paintings. The dyes were extracted from various leaves, roots, plants, as well as mineral salts of alum, copper, iron, and tin. Another segment of Kalamkari painting is the Karrupur style, which developed during the rule of the Maratha in the Thanjavur area. Along with gold embellishment on brocade, the Kalamkari style was added as well. The royal family during the times or Raja Shivaji and Raja Sarfoji wore dhotis and saris that flaunted such a style.
Introduce a touch of kalamkari furnishings in your home to make it look grander.
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