Art & Culture : Indian Paintings

Q 5 / 8

UPSC CSE Prelims 2015

Kalamkari painting refers to

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (A):

Kalamkari is a traditional Indian textile art form. It involves hand-painting or block-printing intricate designs on cotton fabric using natural dyes. The name 'Kalamkari' is derived from 'kalam' (pen) and 'kari' (craftsmanship), referring to the use of a pen for freehand drawing. This art form primarily originated and flourished in Andhra Pradesh, with prominent styles associated with Srikalahasti and Machilipatnam.

Incorrect Options:

  • Option 2: Kalamkari is not associated with bamboo handicrafts in Northeast India. Textile art forms in Northeast India often involve weaving and embroidery on different materials, distinct from Kalamkari's cotton-based, hand-painted technique.
  • Option 3: Kalamkari primarily uses cotton as its base material, not wool. While block printing can be a technique used in Kalamkari, the material specified (woollen cloth) and the region (Western Himalayan) do not align with Kalamkari's characteristics.
  • Option 4: Kalamkari is a South Indian art form, specifically from Andhra Pradesh. It is traditionally done on cotton, not silk, and is not associated with North-western India. Art forms in North-western India on silk may include different styles like Bandhani or Phad painting.
SOURCEIndian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania, Chapter 10: Indian Paintings