Venkata Murali Kesaboyina¹, Dr. Vishweshwari Tiwari², Srutinwita Roy^3
1Associate Professor, Woxsen University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India,
¹Research Scholar, Department of Fine Arts, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab,
²Asst. Professor, Department of Fine Arts, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India,
³Asst. Professor, Woxsen University, Hyderabad, India,
*Corresponding Venkata Murali Kesaboyina, PhD scholar, Associate Professor, Woxsen University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Citation: Preserving Tradition- Sustainable Practices In Kalamkari Art With Natural Dyes. Journal of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics 2025. 1 (2): 01.13
Submitted: December, 2024 Approved: May, 2025 Published: July, 2025

Abstract: The paper’s main argument is that traditional crafts can be an effective tool for creating sustainable practices. Indian textiles have gained unique recognition in the extensive canon of global textile art history and have represented Indian culture on the world art stage. Traditional crafts are frequently referred to as historically, eco-conscious practices that focus on turning raw materials into finished goods primarily by hand using essential tools and tapping on regional customs and knowledge. Srikalahasti’s Kalamkari is one such Indian craft. This exemplifies the organic art philosophy. Kalamkari, a renowned form of handicraft, is used in dye-painted block prints and variations, and they notably dominated the world markets.  The paper focuses on the relevance of traditional crafts, with particular attention on Kalamkari Art as a powerful medium in the field of sustainable art practices.  Indian textiles have garnered an exceptional appreciation in the vast repertoire of world textile art history and have represented Indian culture on a global art & platform. Traditional crafts have often been described as historically eco-sensible, which dealt with the conversion of materials into products, using primarily hand skills with simple tools and employing the local traditional wisdom. Kalamkari of Srikalahasti is one such Indian craft which embodies the spirit of organic art practices. A celebrated piece of workmanship, Kalamkari, is practised in the form of block prints as well as dye-painted versions and clearly dominated the world craft market during the 17th and 18th centuries. The name of the craft, “kalam/qualam,” which in Urdu translates to “pen” and “kari,” or “craft,” captures its essence. The craft, known as “pintadoes” by the Portuguese and “chintz” by the English, has been practised in a number of southern Indian regions. This art is seen in its dye-painted form at Srikalahasti, a small pilgrimage town in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. In the area around the temple in Srikalahasti, kalamkari flourished and was primarily used to create clothing for the shrine. These works of art, which mostly portray the humour of Hindu mythology, have been employed as temple backdrops or as props in the telling of mythological Hindu epics. This craft is distinctive because to the use of natural dyes, local tools, and soulful line rendering. The craft has had difficulty keeping up with the shifting market needs, but it is steadily adapting to the dynamic market orientation. The article makes an effort to reflect the true character of the craft throughout its development and emphasise the value of traditional knowledge as a potent medium in the area of sustainable artistic practices.
Keywords: Kalamkari, Sustainable Art Practices, Chintz, Indian textiles, Srikalahasti, Natural Dyes.

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