Kalamkari: the age old art of Colour and Handwork


Kalamkari is the combination of two words ''kalam'' means pen and ''kari'' means work. It is an art and craft. It is one of the most traditional art forms of India. Kalamkari craft is the most renowned all over the world. This craft is manufactured by hand by the skilled artisans and exported to the international market.

Kalamkari artisans use a special kind of pen made of bamboo and wooden cut pens called kalams, and dip them in inks made from pigments derived from vegetables and fruits to create beautiful fabrics of all kinds and synthetic colors are not used in it. It is a famous design form in ensembles such as saris, dupattas and most importantly Shawls.


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Kalamkari is done with the hand, with a kalam that at the hands of the artisans works magic on a cloth. Kalamkari is also done on other apparel in the fabrics of cotton, silk, and wool. Pashmina shawls with kalamkari work are the epitome of delicate yet intricate workmanship.

Kalamkari is the most famous art of painting on cloth using a kalam. Kalamkari jamawars are created by the combination of kalamkari and kashmiri sozni hand needlework. It is a very detailed and complicated art. Kalamkari is in demand both from the domestic and international markets and it was also exported to different parts of the world. Kalamkari shawls are hand made by the skilled artisans of this craft.


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What is Kalamkari?


Kalamkari is the most ancient style of painting done on different kinds of fabrics. It follows 23 steps of dyeing, bleaching, hand painting, block-printing, starching, cleaning, etc. Kalamkari craft is very attractive, beautiful and stylish and appeal lies in the uniqueness and mystic tone which fascinates the beholder.

As per historical accounts, fabric samples depicting kalamkari art were found mostly on archeological sites of Mohenjo-Daro. Kalamkari came into existence through traveling folk singers and painters. They use it as an art of storytelling.


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During the Golconda sultanate of Hyderabad, kalamkari form rose to prominence and the chirtrakattas were praised and acknowledged by the rulers. According to historical accounts, Kalamkari art was not commissioned on Kashmiri shawls until the late 18th century. It is one of the oldest handicrafts of India. This craft has been a part of India since the time of Mughals. Nowadays the traditional unique patterns of printing are still resonating in designs.

Kalamkari Shawls for Women


Luxurious hand embroidery outline work is a glimpse of Persian architecture riddled into the soft fine fabric. These unique shawls can be worn on formal as well as casual occasions. The Beauty of Kalamkari shawls has over the years earned its patronage of women. It gives an elegant and royal look.


Kalamkari Shawls for Men 


The Beauty of Kalamkari gents’ shawls have over the years earned its patronage. With unique printed borders and embroidered Pallas (lower part of Kalamkari shawls has become a fashion statement of class and sophistication. It is perfect weddings, gifts, and parties during the winter season. It gives a classic look when worn with kurta pajama.

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