Kalamkari

Freewheeling thoughts on fabric, an artisan’s delight, is pen kalamkari. Of course, its origin wasn’t as grand, dating back to 3,000 BC. The first brush with this craft was with a bamboo stick with a bundle of hair on one end. Since then, the process has evolved, leaving the passion and essence untouched, but adhering to 17 steps. Drawing, a freehand form of expression, is done on fabric and is given body and soul with natural dye-based colours. In the sober hues of black, blue, red and mustard, of course. Obtained through jiggery, iron fillings, indigo leaves, pomegranate seeds, et all. This painstaking process is followed by the practical aspects of cloth treating, printing, washing, etc.

Cotton, jute or silk set the stage for an explosion of colour and design, or to pay tribute to religious myths and folklore, adorned with unforgettable characters and fantastic tales. These are then delegated to repose on kalamkari dupattas, tussar silk suits and sarees, the possibilities, like the artisan’s imagination, are endless!

An artful craft, no doubt, made only more attractive with a bohemian spirit.