Kalamkari is the craft of painted and printed fabrics. It is an art form that was developed both for decoration and religious ornamentation.
The world famous Kalamkari Fabrics include includes a range of special mythological designs for Hindus, prayer carpets for Mohammadans, tent lining cloth, chintz, table clothes and curtain clothes printed in attractive colors.
Polavaram and Pedana are prominent centers of manufacturing Kalamkari block prints. The art was introduced during the reign of Qutub Shahis when the entire Telugu country was under their control.
The Kalamkari block printing produces a variety of designs on bed sheets, wall hangings, sarees, lungies, napkins etc. Many Islamic patterns are prominent among the designs of Machilipatnam. The shamiyana covers and prayer cloth are painted with typical Persian designs. Flowers, birds, and animal forms are commonly used designs.
Where to Buy
Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium, Gandhi Nagar, Vijayawada
Interested
? Book Tour through our Members
