Kalamkari originated in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and the name itself comes from ‘kalam’ (pen) and ‘kari’ (work). There are two main types: Srikalahasti style, which is entirely hand-drawn using a pen and used mostly for narrative art like epics; and Machilipatnam style, which uses carved wooden blocks for printing and is more decorative. Made with natural colors from roots, minerals, and flowers, the process involves over 20 painstaking steps—each one a testament to the dedication of artisans preserving this 3000-year-old legacy.