Snapshot

• Why Kalamkari is iconic: Kalamkari (from “kalam” = pen, “kari” = work) is a 3000-year-old hand-painting and block-printing textile tradition of Andhra Pradesh, globally admired for its narrative artistry, natural dyes, and meticulous detailing.
  
• Two Distinct Styles:
  
  • Srikalahasti Style: Entirely hand-drawn and painted using a bamboo pen (kalam), narrating epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranic stories.
    
  • Machilipatnam Style: Uses wooden hand-carved blocks to print intricate floral, paisley, and Mughal-inspired motifs.
    
• Global positioning: GI-tagged (2007), Kalamkari is a luxury artisanal textile, highly sought by couture brands, interior designers, and eco-conscious fashion labels.
  

Product Range

Category	Key Products
Srikalahasti Panels	Temple hangings, narrative wall panels, scrolls.
Block-Printed Yardage	Fabrics for apparel, upholstery, curtains, and drapery.
Apparel & Accessories	Sarees, dupattas, scarves, stoles, tunics.
Home Décor	Cushion covers, table runners, bed linens, wall art.
Luxury & Custom Projects	Designer couture, heritage art frames, exclusive installations.

Craft Technique

Style	Details
Srikalahasti Kalamkari	Freehand drawing with a kalam (pen) made of bamboo; designs painted with vegetable dyes using up to 23 intricate steps, including cloth bleaching with cow dung and milk to prepare canvas.
Machilipatnam Kalamkari	Hand-carved wooden blocks dipped in natural dyes are used to print repeat patterns; detailed hand-finishing enhances motifs.
Natural Dyeing Process	Uses indigo, pomegranate rind, myrobalan, madder, turmeric, and iron rust for color.
Motifs	Epics, flora-fauna, Persian scrollwork, Mughal patterns.
Signature Feature	Entirely chemical-free, eco-dyed textiles with a timeless, artistic appeal.

Materials & Sustainability

• Base Fabrics: Organic cotton, tussar silk, mulberry silk, and linen.
  
• Natural Dyes: Derived from plants, minerals, and organic mordants like alum and cow milk.
  
• Eco Advantage:
  
  • Zero-plastic, chemical-free, low-carbon production.
    
  • Naturally antimicrobial properties due to herbal dyeing.
    
• Community Impact: Employs over 2,000 artisan families in Srikalahasti, Machilipatnam, and nearby villages.
  

Cluster Infrastructure

• Key Centers:
  
  • Srikalahasti: Temple-town-based art clusters specializing in religious scrolls and wall hangings.
    
  • Pedana (Machilipatnam): Block-printing hub with export-ready fabric yards.
    
• Institutions:
  
  • Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation (Lepakshi): Marketing and training.
    
  • Development Commissioner (Handicrafts): Skill upgradation and GI protection.
    
  • Craft Research Institutes: NIFT and design schools help modernize designs for global markets.
    
• Export Linkages: Visakhapatnam and Chennai ports are primary gateways for Kalamkari exports.
  

Compliance & Certifications

• GI Tag: “Srikalahasti Kalamkari” and “Machilipatnam Kalamkari” registered under the Geographical Indications Act, 2007.
  
• Handloom Mark: Ensures authenticity for yardage and apparel.
  
• Eco Labels: Organic dye certification and OEKO-TEX® compliance by leading exporters.
  
• Fair-Trade Practices: Supported by NGOs and artisan cooperatives.
  

Production Timelines & MOQs

Product Type	Sampling Lead Time	Bulk Lead Time	MOQ Guidance
Srikalahasti Panels & Artworks	2–3 weeks	8–10 weeks	Made-to-order
Sarees, Dupattas, Scarves	10–14 days	6–8 weeks	25–50 pcs/style
Block-Printed Yardage	7–10 days	4–6 weeks	50–100 meters/style
Home Décor Products	7–10 days	4–6 weeks	50–100 pcs/style

Branding & Packaging

• Branding:
  
  • GI hologram labels and artisan cards.
    
  • Story inserts on traditional motifs and process.
    
• Packaging:
  
  • Rolled yardage in acid-free tissue and muslin bags.
    
  • Framed artworks shipped in custom crates with moisture absorbers.
    
  • Luxury packaging for couture collections highlights eco-art heritage.
    
• Marketing Story: Marketed as “Slow Fashion Textiles with 3,000 Years of Heritage.”
  

Quality Control (IndiaUnbox Protocol)

• Dye Fastness: Wash and rub tests for natural dyes.
  
• Fabric Strength: Yarn count and GSM validation for export durability.
  
• Design Precision: Inspection of motifs, block alignment, and hand-paint accuracy.
  
• Export QC: ISTA-certified packaging tests for global shipments.
  

Price Drivers

• Style (Srikalahasti hand-painting vs Machilipatnam block-printing).
  
• Fabric type (cotton vs silk).
  
• Natural dye complexity and color palette.
  
• Artisan mastery (National/State Award-winning artists command premium rates).
  

Buyer Confidence Signals

• GI Protection: Guarantees region-specific authenticity.
  
• Sustainability: 100% organic dye process; chemical-free textiles.
  
• Global Recognition: Featured in museum collections, luxury brands, and international exhibitions.
  
• Versatility: Equally suited for fashion, home décor, and collectible art markets.