This type of paintings is done on textiles using pen or blocks. The literal meaning to this name is “Kalam” which means pen and “Kari” which means craftmenship. This art is practised only in Andhra Pradesh, India and in some parts of Persia. Natural dyes are used in this painting which includes Wax, Buffalo milk, Fermented Jaggery, Cow dung, Plants, Crushed flowers, Iron, Tin, Copper, Alum etc. The Kalam is made using bamboo and palm tree sticks. The whole process takes 16 steps or stages to create this painting on cotton cloth. Depending on the number of colours, this painting can take more then 2 weeks to complete.

This fabric doesn’t cause any allergies and helps the body to cool and prevents skin problems. This fabric has a beautiful and distinct aroma to it because of the materials used in creating them. The cotton fabric is the Base for this painting always, making it breathable and comfortable to wear for our weather conditions.

There are two distinct styles of Kalamkari in India. In the Srikalahasthi style, the Kalam is used entirely to draw free hand, fill the details and colours. This style mostly uses religious scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharatha and other Puranas.

The second is the Machilapatinam style in which patterned wooden blocks are used for printing the design. Which is later sometimes combined with the Kalam for finer details. In this style, the themes are mostly Flora and Fauna. This style popularised during the Mughal rule.

In the present day, Kalamkari fabric is used in making sarees, jackets, bags and indo ethnic dresses. The fabric designs can be customised according to the trends which makes it a very versatile art.