Decline of Kalamkari art form in Pedana, Andhra Pradesh

Pedana, a small town in Andhra Pradesh, is known for its rich textile tradition, particularly the Kalamkari art form. However, the town is facing a decline in the number of artisans and weavers, threatening the survival of this traditional art form.

About Kalamkari:

1. Kalamkari is a renowned form of hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile and paintings originating from Andhra Pradesh, India.
2. It has a rich history dating back to the 16-17th century during the reign of the Qutb Shahis at Golconda.

Origin:

1. The art form emerged in the Tilang region, which is now divided between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
2. The name "Kalamkari" is derived from the Persian words "Kalam" meaning pen and "Kari" meaning craftsmanship.

Styles

There are two distinct styles of Kalamkari:

1. Pedana style (also known as Machilipatnam style)
2. Srikalahasti style

Pedana Style:

1. Characterized by vegetable-dyed block-painting of fabric.
2. Artists use hand-carved wooden blocks to print outlines and main features of designs.
3. Influenced by Persian and Mughal art due to patronage and proximity to the Golconda Sultanate.
4. Traditional block prints feature motifs like interlacing patterns of leaves and flowers, cartwheel, and lotus flower forms.
5. Has received the Geographical Indications (GI) tag from the Government of India.

Srikalahasti Style:

1. Characterized by using a traditional pen with a brush to draw designs.
2. Artisans primarily create hand-painted cloth for temples, used behind deities or on chariots.
3. Mythological figures and scenes from Hindu epics are the central theme of this art form, originating in the temple town of Srikalahasti.

Significance:

1. Kalamkari is a unique and intricate art form that has been preserved and passed down through generations.
2. It is a significant part of India's cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship.
3. The two distinct styles of Kalamkari have their own unique characteristics and themes, making them valuable contributions to the art world.

Decline of Kalamkari:

1. The number of weavers and looms in Pedana has declined drastically over the years.
2. The rise of power looms, which produce similar sarees in a shorter duration and at a lower cost, has contributed to the decline of handlooms.
3. The migration of educated youth to bigger cities for better opportunities has also led to a shortage of workers and artisans.
4. The increasing cost of raw materials and declining wages have made it difficult for artisans to sustain themselves.

Efforts to Revive Kalamkari:

1. The Kalamkari art form was registered in the Geographical Indications Registry (GIR) of the Government of India in 2013.
2. The Andhra Pradesh government has declared Kalamkari as the 'One District One Product' of Krishna district.
3. However, despite these efforts, the number of Kalamkari artisans and block makers continues to decline.

Challenges Faced by Artisans:

1. The artisans face challenges such as lack of respect and recognition in their own land.
2. They also face objections from farmers and others who are unaware of the natural dyeing process used in Kalamkari.
3. The government's lack of support and promotion of the art form has also contributed to its decline.
4. The artisans are also struggling to compete with cheaper, machine-made alternatives.

Importance of Preserving Kalamkari:

1. Kalamkari is an important part of India's cultural heritage and needs to be preserved.
2. The art form is not only a source of livelihood for the artisans but also a symbol of the country's rich cultural diversity.
3. Preserving Kalamkari will also help to promote sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the textile industry.

Conclusion:

The decline of the Kalamkari art form in Pedana is a loss to the rich cultural heritage of India. Efforts must be made to promote and support the artisans and weavers of Pedana to revive this traditional art form. The government, NGOs, and individuals must come together to preserve Kalamkari and ensure its survival for future generations.

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