The story
Machilipatnam was a major port from the 17th century, and block-printed Kalamkari cloth from here was traded to Persia and Europe. Printers carve teak blocks and use natural dyes from plants and minerals, washing the cloth repeatedly in running water. The craft is now centred in Pedana and nearby villages. Machilipatnam Kalamkari carries a GI tag.
In numbers
Over 1,000 artisan families survive on making vegetable dyes, blocks and printing in Pedana (2013).
Pedana Kalamkari made of natural colours gets GI tag (Deccan Herald) · 2013
GI tag
- Machilipatnam KalamkariApplication no. GI application no. 90Registration details of Geographical Indications (IP India GI Registry)
Ways in for a newcomer
- Sell natural-dye Kalamkari to export buyers and boutiques
- Carve and supply printing blocks
- Kalamkari home textiles and garments
- Natural dye making
Problems the cluster faces
- Screen-printed and digital imitations
- Water and effluent issues
- Low artisan wages
- Middlemen
Businesses to start here
Hand Block Printing Unit (Printed Suits) →Textile Printing (Screen Printing on Fabric) →Saree Dyeing and Printing →Textile Made-Ups (Napkins, Mats, Aprons) →