The word Kalamkari meant drawing with the pen. It originated in the the wealthy Golconda sultanate of Hyderabad city. It was patronized royally by the Mughal emperors and kings of the Golconda sultanate, around three centuries ago when it had actually originated.

The technique of Kalamkari involves drawing of intricate designs on the cloth, with elaborate borders creating a balanced composition. Its delicate, floral and geometric motifs colored by vegetable dyes is very subtle and extremely beautiful.

In the olden days, many families across Hyderabad practised Kalamkari as a mode of earning their livelihood. Even merchants and traders from around the world used Indian textiles, a majority of which were kalamkari fabrics as a means of currency in Spice trade.

Kalamkari textile industry flourished widely during the time when India and Europe got involved in trading. Based on the demand, people came up with Kalamkari prayer rugs, canopies, door covers, bed covers, robes, jackets etc.

By the time India gained its freedom Kalamkari had naturally declined. Today the Kalamkari fabric industry owes greatly to Kamaladevi Chattopadyaya who revived the industry in 1957. She established a government-run Kalamkari training center that taught the new generation of artists the technique and style of kalamkari.

Today Kalamkari is popular as ever with fashion designers taking this form of craft to a new level of success.