Kalamkari is a highly popular form of hand-painted or block-printed fabrics, practiced in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Originally It is a form of painting cotton fabrics with a kalam i.e. pen, which involves a sharp-pointed pierced bamboo regulating the flow of colour on the fabric.

The name Kalamkari originates from Persian words qalam (pen) and kari (craftmanship). Andhra Pradesh is famous all over for this form of art. The major clusters are Srikalahasthi from Chittoor district, and Machilipatnam Kalamkari of Krishna district. Machilipatnam Kalamkari involves the use of vegetable dyed block-painting of fabrics and it is produced in the town of Pedana, near Machilipatnam in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. This form of painting was registered for geographical indication under handicraft goods. By the available historic proofs, this art was believed to be existed in 3000 B.C but got its popularity in India during the period of Mughal Dynasty and later it was practiced by Golconda Sultanate. There are different textile products produced from this style such as bedsheets, wall hangings, clothing, curtains, sarees etc. This region in Coastal AP is renowned for producing some of the finest quality Kalamkari prints of export quality.

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The Hand-Block Kalamkari technique is passed on from many generations and even now, only the traditional process is being used to producer Kalamkari Fabrics. Though the process sounds simple, knowing the process involved will show the hidden complexity and tedious manual process involved in making beautiful Kalamkari Fabrics. To mention the process briefly, only Retting, Printing, Boiling, Washing are said as major steps needed to make Kalamkari fabric but in fact a whooping 17 steps; Retting (De-Sizing), Sun Drying, RFD Making, Sun Drying, First Printing, Sun Drying, Boiling, Washing, Sun Drying, Second (includes Third, Forth, Fifth Printing depending on design), Sun Drying, Washing, Sun Drying, Checking, Ironing, Folding, Packing. 

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Below is the pictorial and detailed explanation of the Kalamkari Hand-Block Print process.