Hand-drawn or block-printed narrative cloth painting from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, its name meaning 'pen-work' for the tamarind-twig pen traditionally used to draw it.
आंध्र प्रदेश, तेलंगाना · Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
Two distinct kalamkari traditions developed side by side: Srikalahasti's freehand style, drawn directly onto cloth with a sharpened tamarind twig pen dipped in natural dye, depicting mythological scenes traditionally sold near temples, and Machilipatnam's block-printed style, using carved wooden blocks to stamp repeating patterns, developed for wider trade.
Both towns retain Geographical Indication recognition for their respective kalamkari styles, and the craft's all-natural dyeing process, mordants and dyes drawn from plants, minerals, and even cow dung and buffalo milk in traditional preparation, remains largely unchanged from its centuries-old process today.