Where was the Kalamkari painting originated?

The correct answer is Andhra Pradesh.

Key Points 

• The present states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are where kalamkari originated several hundred years ago.
• It was initially employed to depict passages from holy writings including the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Bhagavatam.
• These murals, tell the tales of the gods.
• They were frequently used as beautiful backdrops in temples.

Important Points 

• The term "Kalamkari," refers to a particular, detailed form of hand-painting on the cloth.
• Kalamkari derives from the word "kalam," which means pen.
• There are two different styles of Kalamkari painting.
• Machilipatnam, which uses block printing, and Srikalahasti, which is freehand drawing.

Additional Information 

• One motif found frequently in Kalamkari is the Tree of Life, which links the heavens, the earth, and the underworld while being firmly planted.
• Numerous creatures eat its leaves, live in its branches, and seek out its shade, making it a symbol of food as well.
• Deer, tigers, and peacocks are also regularly seen.
• The sole materials used in Kalamkari, like many other ancient Indian crafts, are natural.
• Cotton cloth, dried unripe fruit, milk to form the "mordant," charcoal sticks, black Kasimi liquid, alum solution, and natural colours in red, indigo, and yellow are some of the basic ingredients used.