India is a land of stories—and some of its most captivating tales are not spoken but painted. In swirling vines, sacred scrolls, and vibrant textiles, the ancient art of Kalamkari breathes life into cloth. Every brushstroke is a legacy. Every fabric, a canvas of myth, memory, and mastery.
Hina’s Art Pavilion (HAP) is an Art Gallery in Ahmedabad that celebrates Indian heritage. Through our exhibitions and workshops, we especially highlight the works of women and children artists who carry forward these timeless traditions with renewed passion.
Let’s explore the two exquisite types of Kalamkari painting—each with its own history, texture, technique, and cultural soul.
What is Kalamkari Painting?
Kalamkari is a traditional Indian art form that involves hand-painting or block-printing on fabric using natural dyes. The name comes from the Persian words ‘kalam’ (pen) and ‘kari’ (craftsmanship), which together mean “drawing with a pen.”
Kalamkari originated over 3,000 years ago in the temple regions of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. What started as temple murals and sacred scrolls has now evolved into wall hangings, sarees, and even global fashion pieces—without losing its original essence of mythological storytelling and nature-inspired beauty.
How Many Types of Kalamkari Are There?
There are two main types of Kalamkari painting: Srikalahasti style and Machilipatnam style. Each type has its unique techniques, themes, and regional identity, yet both contribute to the enduring charm of this art form.
1. Srikalahasti Kalamkari
Srikalahasti Kalamkari is a freehand style rooted in the spiritual town of Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh. This meditative art form is entirely drawn by hand using a kalam—usually made from bamboo or date palm.
Technique:
- Hand-drawn with natural-dye-dipped pens
- No stencils or blocks—only the artist’s skill and imagination
Themes:
- Epic tales from Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranic stories
- Deities like Krishna, Shiva, Durga, often depicted with expressive faces and flowing garments
Use:
- Temple drapes, wall panels, storytelling scrolls, and ceremonial textiles
What makes it special?
Srikalahasti Kalamkari is not just art—it’s a spiritual offering. The process is slow, detailed, and deeply personal, often done by a single artisan who paints the entire piece over weeks of dedicated work.
Did You Know?
Artists follow over 20 meticulous steps in creating Srikalahasti Kalamkari. The fabric is first treated with a mix of cow dung and milk to enhance dye absorption—ensuring that every color sings with earthy vibrance.
2. Machilipatnam Kalamkari
Machilipatnam Kalamkari, also known as Pedana Kalamkari, is practiced in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. Unlike its hand-drawn counterpart, this form uses hand-carved wooden blocks for printing.
Technique:
- Block-printed with natural dyes like indigo, iron rust, and pomegranate peel
- Each block is carved with ornate motifs—aligned with precision by master artisans
Themes:
- Persian floral patterns, mythological scenes, and Islamic architectural influences
- Decorative borders, vines, and Mughal-inspired symmetry
Use:
- Sarees, dupattas, bedsheets, curtains, and fashion fabrics
How is it different from Srikalahasti?
While Srikalahasti is deeply narrative and painted by hand, Machilipatnam is collaborative and replicable, making it ideal for textiles and home décor. Yet, both styles reflect the same devotion to craft and culture.
How is Machilipatnam Kalamkari different from Srikalahasti style?
While Srikalahasti relies on intricate hand-drawing, Machilipatnam involves block-printing, which allows for replication and commercial production. This makes it ideal for textiles and fashion, while still maintaining its traditional roots.
Key Difference Between Srikalahasti and Machilipatnam Kalamkari
| Feature | Srikalahasti Style | Machilipatnam Style |
| Technique | Hand-drawn with pen (kalam) | Block-printed using carved wooden blocks |
| Origin | Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh | Pedana (Machilipatnam), Andhra Pradesh |
| Themes | Hindu mythology, epics | Floral, Persian, mythological motifs |
| Application | Temple art, scrolls, religious textiles | Apparel, home décor |
| Artistic Process | Solo and highly detailed | Collaborative and quicker |
Why is Kalamkari Painting Important in Indian Art?
Kalamkari is one of India’s last surviving hand-painted traditions using only natural dyes. Each piece is a blend of art, ecology, and mythology. From color mixing with tamarind seed paste to boiling the cloth with jaggery and iron, every step is a time-honored ritual.
Beyond beauty, Kalamkari paintings are cultural time capsules. They preserve not just mythology—but also rural storytelling methods, spiritual symbolism, and sustainable craftsmanship.
Conclusion
Kalamkari isn’t just a painting style—it’s a dialogue between ink and imagination, tradition and creativity. Whether it’s the hand-drawn devotion of Srikalahasti or the rhythmic printing of Machilipatnam, this art form continues to inspire, evolve, and enchant across generations.
At Hina’s Art Pavilion, we’re proud to exhibit and nurture these heritage arts through curated exhibitions, and hands-on workshops—especially spotlighting women and children artists who are shaping the future of Indian art.
Join our art workshops, and watch our upcoming events for new creative experiences.
Also read:
Traditional Art Forms of India
Commonly Asked Questions About Kalamkari
Q1. Which state is famous for Kalamkari?
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are the cultural hubs for Kalamkari, with Srikalahasti (hand-painted) and Machilipatnam (block-printed) styles originating from these regions. Both styles use natural dyes and showcase mythological stories, making these southern states the cultural home of Kalamkari art.
Q2. What is special about Kalamkari?
It’s one of the few Indian art forms that blends natural dyes, spiritual narratives, and sustainable practice. It’s not just beautiful—it’s meaningful and mindful.
Q3. What fabrics are used for Kalamkari painting?
Traditionally, Kalamkari is done on cotton and silk fabrics. These materials are treated with cow dung, milk, and alum to prepare the surface for natural dyes and help retain color vibrancy.
Q4. Is Kalamkari painting eco-friendly?
Yes, Kalamkari is known for being one of the most eco-friendly art forms. It uses no synthetic chemicals – only natural elements like tamarind, jaggery, indigo, rusted iron, and alum for colors and treatments.
Q5. What is the difference between Ajrakh and Kalamkari?
Ajrakh, from Gujarat and Rajasthan, is geometric and symmetrical with indigo-red tones. Kalamkari, from Andhra-Telangana, is more narrative—depicting stories, deities, and flowing natural motifs.
