Kalamkari: Storytelling with a Pen and Dye

Kalamkari is an exquisite hand-painted or block-printed textile tradition from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The term comes from kalam (pen) and kari (craftsmanship), reflecting the art’s detailed, freehand narrative style. Artists use bamboo pens and natural dyes to create scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, or from nature—peacocks, flowers, and trees.

What sets Kalamkari apart is its complex dyeing process, which can involve up to 23 painstaking steps, including treatment with cow milk and myrobalan to fix dyes. This ancient tradition flourished under royal patronage and temple commissions, with entire temple hangings narrating mythological episodes.

Today, Kalamkari motifs adorn sarees, scarves, home decor, and even modern fashion. By adapting to contemporary markets without losing traditional techniques, Kalamkari has transformed from temple art to a beloved, living heritage, celebrated for its sustainability and craftsmanship.