Inking Masterpiece Since the 16th Century in India

THE HINDU

Intricate and ornate: A 47 feet by 11 feet Kalamkari painting. Photo: P.V. Sivakumar

INDIA - This eighth century art continues to be popular even today. Once patronised by the Mughals, Kalamkari now has a niche market. The art of painting on cloth dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization and ancient Greece. Kalamkari, which means work done with a pen, a kalam, is an ancient art of India. There is archaeological evidence of this resist-dyed painting done in the eighth century. The Mughals, especially during the time of Akbar, patronised this art in the Coromandel coast and the Golconda region. [link]