History

History of Kalamkari, From the 16th Century, Mughal rulers were the financial supporters for the textile art form, during Mughal rule this Kalamkari art was considered as a sign of great wealth, as it was in earlier times kalamkari begins to be produced in Machilipatnam an ancient city of Krishna District Andhra Pradesh,

And also another hub for the production of Kalamkari was Srikalahasti, situated in Chittoor District Andhra Pradesh, for a short period of time Kalamkari popularity was decreased, later on, when the British rule came nearly in the 18th century they found that the textile Art's craftsmanship was extremely beautiful.

The artists who worked on the kalamkari painting were known as Jadupatuas or Duari Patuas these are known as "Magical Painters". In spice trade merchants and traders across the world, kalamkari paintings are used as currency, these paintings have high demand as spices like clove, nutmeg, and pepper, which are available exclusively in the parts of Southeast Asia and Indonesia.

The Traders from Southeast Asia and Indonesia demands Indian Textiles in form of kalamkari paintings for ritual and commercial use. It is believed that the early part of painted fabric was found during Indus Valley Civilization. The Archeological department says that the hand painting on the resists-dyed cloth was discovered in the 8th century only. Francois Bernie's French traveler has taken initiation for promoting this kalamkari art through his old writings. Mughals encouraged this craft in the coromondal and Golconda region.

In olden days during 13th and 19th centuries, the people in the south region, especially in Andhra Pradesh painters, called CHITRAKATTIS kept moving from one village to another village only to describe the stories of Hindu Mythology in the form of street plays and earn for their livelihood.

For a better understanding of the people, chitrakattis gradually came up with the new ideas, they staged their plays using large coarse bleached cloth painted on the spot using basic natural dyes. This is how kalamkari has driven its path into the country.