The recently inaugurated exhibition- Kalamkari, on the famous art of Andhra Pradesh, at Rockart Heritage Exhibition Hall of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya has attracted visitors from all sects of life.
Kalamkari is a kind of painting done with the help of pen (kalam/kunche), that originated about 3,000 years ago. The traditional painting has been kept alive in Andhra Pradesh through generations. The most prominent and pioneer of the two schools are Pedana, a small textile town near Machilipatnam (East Coast) in Krishna district and Srikalahasti, a holy town, where one can find the famous Shiva temple in Chittoor district (deriving their names from the cities of their origin).
The Pedana school reflects the influence of Muslim rule in Golconda (400 years) through the the use of intricate Persian (Iran) motifs and designs, many of which are sensitive forms, rhythms and an inherent balance which immediately attracts connoisseurs and laymen. The main printing is done with the help of hand crafted wooden blocks, while the detailing is added later on with the help of a kalam.
Srikalahasti, near the temple town of Tirupati is an ancient centre of the devotional aspect of this craft which developed around places of pilgrimage. The function of temple Kalamkari is narrative, their themes drawn from the rich mythology of Hinduism. Figurative drawings sometimes describe a single episode or the whole sweep of great epic. They throb with life, drawn from memory, in strong outline of black, the colours obtained from vegetable dyes, reflect the mellow ambience of temple interiors.
The Srikalahasti form takes inspiration from religion and temples, concentrating on Hindu mythology- Gods and epics.