Who Created Kalamkari Print? The Origin & History of India’s Most Artistic Fabric

Few fabrics in the world tell stories quite like Kalamkari. Each line, motif, and hue carries the touch of an artist’s hand and echoes centuries of Indian tradition. But have you ever wondered — who created Kalamkari print? How did this intricate art form evolve from temple walls to the runways of modern fashion?
Let’s take a thoughtful journey through the origin, history, and enduring beauty of Kalamkari fabric - one of India’s most artistic fabrics.

What Is Kalamkari Print? Understanding the Art Behind the Fabric

The word Kalamkari comes from two Persian words — “Kalam” (pen) and “Kari” (craftsmanship) — literally meaning drawing with a pen.

What is Kalamkari print exactly? It’s more than a textile design — it’s a storytelling tradition. This art involves hand-painting or block-printing intricate designs onto cotton or silk fabric using natural dyes.

There are two main types of Kalamkari print:

- Srikalahasti Kalamkari – entirely hand-drawn using a tamarind pen and natural colors.

-Machilipatnam Kalamkari – created using hand-carved wooden blocks and vegetable dyes.

Each piece can take days or even weeks to complete, with every motif — from peacocks and lotuses to mythological scenes — painted with precision and symbolism. Explore the full Readymade Salwar Suit  Collection to experience the beauty of India’s finest craftsmanship.

Who Created Kalamkari Print? The Story of Its Origin

The roots of Kalamkari print stretch back over 3,000 years, tracing to ancient India’s temple art traditions. Early painters and priests, known as chitrakars, would use hand-painted fabrics as visual aids to narrate Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata in temples and village squares.

The Mughal era gave Kalamkari its name and royal recognition. During their reign, Persian influence introduced refined floral patterns and storytelling through motifs. Kalamkari print was officially referred to as “Qalamkari” — the art created using a pen.

Over time, the art form flourished under the patronage of Golconda sultans and South Indian rulers, particularly in the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions, giving rise to its two distinct styles.

So, while Kalamkari print doesn’t have a single “creator,” it was born from the collective genius of temple artists and storytellers — communities who transformed fabric into a living narrative.

Kalamkari Print Belongs to Which State? A Tale of Two Regions

Kalamkari print belongs to which state? The answer lies in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where both regions have nurtured unique yet interconnected traditions of the craft:

- Srikalahasti (Andhra Pradesh): Known for freehand drawing and painting using a kalam or pen. Artists here typically depict religious themes, temple stories, and deities.

- Machilipatnam (Telangana): Famous for block-printed Kalamkari. Artisans use hand-carved wooden blocks to imprint patterns with natural dyes, often featuring florals, peacocks, and Persian-inspired motifs.

Together, these two regions represent the soul of Kalamkari print — one driven by spirituality, the other by craftsmanship.

If you admire such traditional craftsmanship, you’ll love the Green Kalamkari Kantha Readymade Salwar Suit — a perfect example of heritage-inspired design brought to life in modern fashion.

From Pen to Block – The Evolution of Hand and Block Print Kalamkari

Originally, Kalamkari print was entirely hand-painted, where each stroke was drawn by the artist using a bamboo or tamarind pen dipped in natural dye. But as demand grew, artisans developed block print Kalamkari methods to reproduce the same artistry faster without compromising its aesthetic value.

Today, you’ll find both:

- Hand-printed Kalamkari sarees and dupattas, known for their raw, storytelling way.

- Block print Kalamkari fabrics, often used for everyday wear and décor.

If you love contemporary interpretations of this age-old craft, the Black Kalamkari Handblock Pintucks Readymade Salwar Suit beautifully showcases the elegance of hand-block Kalamkari in a comfortable, ready-to-wear design.

Symbolism and Motifs: The Stories Hidden in Kalamkari Designs

Every Kalamkari print carries meaning. The art isn’t just decorative — it’s deeply philosophical and narrative.

- Peacocks symbolize beauty and prosperity.

- The Tree of Life represents growth and eternal connection.

- Buddha motifs in Kalamkari Buddha print sarees express peace and enlightenment.

- Floral vines and paisleys reflect Mughal influences and eternal continuity.

Even the colors have meaning — red stands for valor, blue for divinity, and yellow for knowledge. That’s why Kalamkari face print fabrics and Kalamkari Buddha print kurtis are not just style statements; they’re wearable art forms.

For those who prefer to design their own look, try the Red Cotton Kalamkari Doria Unstitched Salwar Suit — perfect for creating a personalized ensemble that stays true to the roots of Indian artistry.

The Revival of Kalamkari – From Temples to Modern Fashion

The revival of Kalamkari print began when Indian designers and artisans started blending traditional techniques with contemporary fashion.
Today, it’s seen in everything from Kalamkari Buddha print sarees and kurti sets to fusion dresses and home furnishings. Designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Anita Dongre have reimagined Kalamkari print as a modern luxury fabric — without losing its handcrafted essence.

The rise of slow fashion and eco-conscious buyers has also breathed new life into the art. Modern consumers appreciate how Kalamkari print balances elegance, sustainability, and culture in one frame.

Why Kalamkari Is More Than Just a Fabric – A Sustainable Art Form

Kalamkari print is one of India’s oldest examples of sustainable textile art. Every step — from washing the fabric in cow milk to preparing natural dyes — follows a process that’s chemical-free and environmentally friendly.

Artisans use ingredients like:

- Indigo leaves for blue

- Turmeric for yellow

- Pomegranate rind for red tones

Each shade is created by hand, using time-tested recipes passed through generations. In a world of fast fashion, Kalamkari print stands as a quiet reminder that true art takes time.

How to Identify Authentic Kalamkari Fabric

With its growing popularity, the market is flooded with machine-printed replicas. Here’s how you can identify genuine Kalamkari print:

- Feel the texture: Authentic Kalamkari feels slightly coarse due to natural dyes.

- Smell the fabric: You might notice a mild earthy or natural dye scent.

- Look for imperfections: Small irregularities are a sign of handcraft, not a flaw.

- Check the source: Genuine Kalamkari print usually mentions Srikalahasti or Machilipatnam origins.

When you buy a hand-printed Kalamkari saree or kurti, you’re not just purchasing fabric — you’re supporting a living heritage. 

Conclusion

Kalamkari print is not just an art form — it’s India’s creative soul on fabric. Whether you drape a hand printed Kalamkari saree or wear a Kalamkari Buddha print kurti, you carry forward the story of generations who painted faith, history, and identity onto cloth.

FAQ About Kalamkari Print

1. Who created Kalamkari print?

It was developed collectively by temple artists and storytellers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over 3,000 years ago.

2. What are the two types of Kalamkari print?

Hand-painted (Srikalahasti) and block-printed (Machilipatnam).

3. Kalamkari print belongs to which state?

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are the two main hubs of this craft.

4. What is block print Kalamkari?

A version of Kalamkari print where artisans use hand-carved wooden blocks to print patterns with vegetable dyes.

5. How do I take care for a hand print kalamkari fabric?

 Use mild detergent, wash separately in cold water, and avoid direct sunlight to preserve natural colors.