---
title: "Kalamkari: Indian Textile Art | Model Diplomat"
description: "Kalamkari is a traditional textile art from Andhra Pradesh, known for its natural dyes and mythological motifs, important for UPSC and cultural studies."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/kalamkari"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Kalamkari is a hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile art of Andhra Pradesh, using natural dyes to depict mythological and floral motifs.
- What is the difference between the Srikalahasti and Machilipatnam styles of Kalamkari?
- Does Kalamkari hold a GI tag?
- How is Kalamkari different from Batik or ikat?
- Why is Kalamkari relevant for UPSC General Studies?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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Example

In 2008, the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai granted GI status to Srikalahasti Kalamkari and Machilipatnam Kalamkari, recognising the two Andhra Pradesh traditions as legally protected craft origins.

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