Kalamkari is an exquisite ancient craft of painted and printed fabrics. It derives its name from "Kalam" meaning Pen, and "Kari" meaning work, literally Pen-work. It is hand painting as well as block printing with vegetable dyes. Very old, this art knew it's apogee in the rich person kingdom of Golconde [ the current city of Hyderabad,Andra Pradesh]. It has evolved through trial and error over the last 3000 years. Techniques of craftsmanship in Kalamkari were handed down within the families from generation to generation. In Andra Pradesh, both the Masulipatnam and Srikalahasti villages are recognised as major centres for Kalamkari painting. Thus came the two styles of Kalamkari painting - Masulipatnam style ans Srikalahasti style.
