Latest news with #Kalamkari
The Hindu
13 hours ago
- General
- The Hindu
How the Kalamkari craft travelled from Srikalahasti to Thanjavur
When people think of Kalamkari, the first words that come to their minds are Srikalahasti or Machilipattanam and not Karuppur or Thanjavur, though the art form has its roots in the latter towns too. 'Kalamkari first found royal patronage in Tamil Nadu in 1540, when Sevappa Nayak, the first Nayaka ruler of Thanjavur , brought a contingent of artists from Karuppur to adorn Thanjavur's palaces and temples ,' says Kalamkari artist Rajmohan, son of National Award-winning Kalamkari artist R. Emperumal. These artists were descendants of migrants from Andhra Pradesh, where Kalamkari originated. Also known as Chitrapadaam ('chitra' meaning picture and 'padaam', tracing), the art form was once used to depict stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. It was later used to create tapestries for palaces, temple hangings, panels for door frames, canopies, umbrella covers, door hangings and tubular hangings and even decorating temple chariots. It eventually evolved into wearable art like sarees and duppattas, and utility items such as bags and bookmarks. Touch of modernity As Rajmohan shows us the works of his ancestors, including a tapestry that is more than 400-years-old, he says, 'I recreate old pieces with a touch of modernity, yet try to keep alive the methodology adopted by my ancestors. For instance, he uses freshly-obtained paints or dyes the same day. The paints do not have a shelf life, as they are derived from nature. I do not use paints or dyes containing preservatives as they do notmatch the depth and richness that naturally-derived ones impart.' The handmade pens or kalams that he uses are crafted from bamboo and tamarind twigs. While bamboo twigs are used as it is, the tamarind ones are burnt and covered in soil overnight before use. Rajmohan's family has been practising kalamkari for more than 800 years now. A BFA graduate, who also studied filmmaking from MGR Film Institute, Rajmohan learnt the kalamkari art from his father. 'There were no formal classes, I learnt by observing him. My son also learns the same way', he says. 'The art form has been slowly fading into obscurity. When royalty was abolished in India, the patronage disappeared, and with it, the livelihood of many artists. They were given land and money, but not the means to learn another trade, and hence languished', he shares. Contibuing the family tradition Not far away from Rajmohan's residence, Lakshmi Narayanan keeps the art alive in a different way. 'This is an endangered art,' says Lakshmi Narayanan, who runs a unit with Kalamkari workers in his two-storeyed home. Narayanan, whose family has been practising the art form that obtained a GI (geographical indication) tag for more than 400 years, explains how the motifs and colours set the Karuppur style of Kalamkari apart from the Srikalahasti style. Narayanan, who began working as a Kalamkari artist at the age of 15, feels that the market remains uncertain even today as handmade items are slowly regaining appreciation from customers. 'We wait for over 20 days for profits to come our way. And if there is a small error, then we lose up to ₹ 17,000 or even ₹20,000 — that is how much a fully-worked kalamkari saree can cost' he shares. 'People who buy it need to understand the volume of work that goes into making a saree or even a dupatta. First, the design is traced using charcoal. It is then treated with a mixture of cow's milk, starched and dried. Then, we fill in the black colour, wash and dry it; the process is repeated for each colour ,' he explains. 'Black is derived from rusted iron, yellow from turmeric, and red from cinnamon,' he shares. A single saree can take 15 to 20 days, depending on the intricacy of the design. 'Sales mostly happen through word-of-mouth,' he says. 'Sometimes, boutiques approach us, but sporadically. We are the only family in this village that makes and sells Kalamkari products commercially,' he says and adds that both his sons (still studying) will eventually take up the craft. Now, with quiet persistence, both Rajmohan and Narayanan ensure that this endangered art is not forgotten. They're not just preserving a technique but a tradition that is passed on through generations.
Hans India
30-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Government will provide all support to handicrafts and Kalamkari artisans
Tirupati: While stating that the government is committed to the welfare of artisans, District Collector S Venkateswar assured to extend all required support to the handicrafts and Kalamkari artisans in Tirupati district. The Collector visited the handicrafts and Kalamkari cluster in Madhavamala village near Srikalahasti on Thursday and interacted with artisans on various issues including the problems they were facing like more marketing facility and and better price for the handicrafts produced by them. He also discussed the facilities required for providing them through The Balaji Wood Carving Artisans Mutual Aided Cooperative Society, which is based in the handicrafts cluster. The collector said that Madhavamala wood carving and handicrafts have worldwide recognition revealing the enormous marketing potential. He said that he will discuss with Lepakshi management for increasing the purchase price of the handicrafts and convince the bankers to improve loan facility. The loan facility will be linked with the central government schemes for promotion of handicrafts with subsidies. On the request of the artisans, the Collector said a depot will also be set up in Madhavamala for the storage of raw materials required for wood carvings. He also assured to give priority to artisans to set up their outlets in Dwakra Bazar Exhibitions, set up stalls in airport, shops in Tirumala and in TTD Kalyanamandapams at nominal rents. Immediate measures will also be taken to allot 3 cents of land to eligible artisans for house construction, he added. Srikalahasti RDO Bhanu Prakash Reddy, DRDA PD Shoban Babu, DRDA APD Prabhavati, Tahasildar Bhargavi, MPDO Sowbhagyamma were also present.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Krishna district administration gears up for 4-day Masula Beach Fest
Vijayawada: The Krishna district administration is gearing up for the four-day Masula Beach Festival , scheduled for the first week of June at Manginapudi Beach in Wednesday, excise minister and Machilipatnam legislator Kollu Ravindra inspected the ongoing arrangements for the beach festival at Manginapudi Beach and directed the concerned officials to expedite the work and complete it within the deadline. The minister reviewed the entry arches and other decorations being prepared by art director Ramana the occasion, Ravindra suggested that the officials widen the main beach road, develop a junction, and construct a road from the junction to the on the occasion, Ravindra said that the government is making elaborate arrangements for the grand conduct of the Manginapudi Beach Festival. He mentioned that art director Ramana Vanka has been roped in to design replicas of Amaravati and the Assembly Tower as entry arches, which will be erected at the festival minister noted that the beach festival, which reflects the celebration of local traditions and culture, will also showcase glimpses of various regional specialties such as Kalamkari art, Bandar Laddu, Halwa, and more. He added that Beach Kabaddi and Kayaking competitions will be held, with about 2,000 players expected to participate from various parts of the adventure activities such as paragliding, helicopter rides, water scooters, water gliding, scuba diving, and speed boat rides will be offered to visitors as part of the minister further stated that proposals worth Rs 100 to Rs 150 crore have been submitted to the Centre under the Swadesh Darshan scheme and are expected to be sanctioned soon. Following the release of funds, there are plans to initiate the construction of resorts and hotels costing between Rs 800 and Rs 1,000 crore near Manginapudi Beach.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
What Does Your Mother's Style Say About Her Identity This Mother's Day?
A mother with her children (Image: iStock) This Mother's Day let's shift the spotlight from the role to the remarkable woman behind it. She's the planner, the provider, the protector and yet, she's so much more. Her identity extends beyond labels, and so does her style. 'Maa se mila andaaz' - our first lessons in grace, strength, and self-expression came not from magazines, but from her wardrobe, her rituals, her everyday she dresses for function, flair, or freedom, every mom carries her own style language; unspoken, but unforgettable. Here's a curated celebration of her spirit, through silhouettes and styles that echo her Relaxed & Casual MomShe blends practicality with poise. For the mom who juggles a million things daily; her style is rooted in ease. Soft cotton kurtas, breezy co-ords, and flowy tunics allow her to move effortlessly while still looking polished. Her outfits mirror her: warm, unfussy, and always dependable. She shows us that comfort is never a compromise; it's a quiet Bohemian & Free-Spirited MomHer life is a canvas and her wardrobe, the art. This mom finds beauty in the handmade and meaning in the imperfect. Flowy silhouettes in Batik, Kalamkari, or embroidered cottons speak of a free spirit with deep roots. Her love for handcrafted details and earthy palettes reflects a soul that embraces both tradition and individuality. She inspires us to live and dress with intention. The Minimalist MomRefined and intentional, she finds power in simplicity. She prefers clean cuts, subtle hues, and timeless shapes. A structured kurta, crisp trousers, or monochrome sets are her go-to each piece versatile, thoughtful, and quietly elegant. Her style whispers, not shouts, reminding us that less can indeed be more when done Empowered Everyday MomShe's the backbone of her family, the driver of her dreams. Be it a small-town teacher, a working professional, or a homemaker chasing her passions, her style adapts to her reality. She chooses functional ethnic wear that keeps up with her pace, smart silhouettes, breathable fabrics, and elegant prints that feel current yet rooted. Her wardrobe is her daily armor, practical, beautiful, and resilient, just like her Mother's Day, celebrate her. The woman who inspired your values, your voice, and yes, your andaaz. Because her style isn't just about fashion, it's a celebration of identity, legacy, and self-love. Thus, it highlights how fashion is passed down through generations, reflecting our essence as a brand that beautifully blends legacy with modern sensibilities.-With inputs from Sachin Kharbanda, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Lakshita Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Mint
11-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Punit Balana tells how to build a wardrobe that celebrates traditional crafts
Designer Punit Balana recently opened his first store in Delhi, in Ambawatta complex in Qutub Gardens. The 1,600 space, designed by Balana, reflects his eponymous brand's design philosophy of giving Jaipur's textiles and crafts a modern twist. The launch of the store, which features arched doorways, custom terrazzo flooring and antique brass accents, marks 10 years of the Jaipur brand. In an interview with Lounge, the designer, born and raised in Jaipur, talks about the new store, his new collection, Johari 2.0, and completing 10 years in the fashion industry. Edited excerpts: How was the process of conceptualising the Delhi store? I infused every inch with my signature details, from terracotta pink and olive tones to arches, coin embroidery on curtains, and 'chandi tila" work on the mirrors. Everything, right down to the crafted cushions and lighting, was handmade in our Jaipur studio. Also read: Cricketer KL Rahul is Paul & Shark's global brand ambassador Why did you choose Qutub Garden as the store's location? It's an area rich in heritage and history, which resonates with our design ethos. The blend of old-world charm with contemporary luxury felt like the perfect canvas for our Delhi debut. The label clocks in 10 years. How's been the retail journey? Retail has been a big part of our journey. From Jaipur to Mumbai to now Delhi, each new store has been a milestone. I've learnt how essential it is to adapt - whether it's to customer preferences or the retail landscape. How's been the process of repurposing the age-old craft techniques of bandhini and and Kalamkari into contemporary creations? I'm a huge fan of Indian traditional craft, especially the prints and textiles from Jaipur. Bandhani has always been a staple, and for our summer line, we've really pushed ourselves, merging Kalamkari techniques with Mughal-inspired motifs to create a whole new print language. It's about making these age-old crafts feel relevant, wearable and globally appreciated. The brand's always been about signature Jaipur hues like pink and mint green. Will you ever do a monochromatic collection? That would be a great creative challenge! As long as the craftsmanship and soul remain, the colour story can evolve. Let's talk about your new collection, Johari 2.0. What was your moodboard? The original Johari collection in 2024 was one of our most appreciated and well-received drops and I felt there was still more to explore. Johari 2.0 carries forward that same design language, but with newer silhouettes, fresh colour stories, and evolved embroideries. What advice would you like to offer those who want to build a craft-based closet? We live in a country rich in textile, craft, and hand-made excellence. The kind of artisanal work India can produce is unmatched globally. That's why, as a designer and as a custodian of craft, I believe it's important to honour this heritage. Don't just buy a piece because it looks good, pause and ask: What's the craft behind this? Where's the fabric from? If we begin to respect our own craft, the world will follow. A meaningful closet should be a blend of beauty and story, not just trend. Is there a method to your creative process? I don't travel for inspiration, but I find that travel always ends up feeding my creativity. Every time I come back from a trip, I feel like a new person recharged, more imaginative, and ready to dive back into work with fresh energy. I observe, absorb and evolve through these experiences. Travel is less of a visual reference and more of an emotional reset for me. Do you see yourself venturing into couture/decor categories anytime soon? Fashion, architecture, and decor are all deeply connected and as a creative person, I've never believed in boundaries. I don't plan too far ahead; I follow what excites me in the moment, whether that's couture, pret, or a completely new category. If the right opportunity comes and it feels right and challenges me creatively, I'm always ready to explore. For me, joy is in the process and new categories offer fresh wings to fly. Manish Mishra is a Delhi-based writer and content creator. Also read: From granny chic to Gen Z-approved, why it's the summer of tweed
