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Many hues of tradition
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The stunning kalamkari collection at DWARAKA makes you want everything on display
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PHOTO: G.R.N. SOMASHEKAR
PRETTY ARRAY It's a celebration of the kalamkari design at DWARAKA
`Own a Kalamkari' says the invitation from DWARAKA (Development of Weavers and Rural Artisans in Kalamkari Art). Once you step into the pretty first floor DWARAKA showroom in Palace Orchards, you feel like owning most of the things here.
The exclusive kalamkari boutique in Bangalore, probably the only one of its kind in the country, has come a long way since its beginning in 1999. Kalamkari, traditionally used only as cloth panels, embellishes a stunning range of products at this showroom. Bags of all kinds, stationery, saris and dress materials, Western and ethnic garments, table lamps and other home product all sport a bit of Kalamkari.
Impoverished artist
"We set up DWARAKA under the Ramanarpanam Trust when my father Dwarakanath Reddy and I met Purushottam, an impoverished kalamkari artist from the Andhra temple town of Srikalahasti. He was hungry, tired and unable to sell his beautiful creations of mythological kalamkari paintings," recalls Anita Reddy, Project Director of DWARAKA. "We went to Srikalahasti, and got two expert artisans to teach the art to young women in the community. There is a tremendous need to get these artisans out of the poverty circle," she adds.
The art form gets its name from kalam or pen, dipped in a solution of myrobalan, kaduka seeds and iron filings, and hand-worked (kari) in vegetable dyes. Kalamkari thrived centuries ago on the banks of the Swarnamukhi, during the reign of Krishnadevaraya. The large expanse of sand for drying the cloth, the swirling waters of the river to wash the dyed cloth, and the humidity conditions must have been the reason why the art flourished there.
"We are probably the only NGO working in the field who have not uprooted the artisans. Hundreds of families work at Srikalahasti. We have set up a federation of 32 units called KARUNA (Kalamkari Artisans Revival and Upsurge for National Acclaim). We've gone into Dalit villages and have enlisted quarry workers in this art too," informs Anita.
Sri Kalahasti's kalamkari cloth panels celebrate the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology and the deities. Originally, the specially commissioned kalamkari panels were hung in temples. The kalamkari done in Machilipatnam is a mixture of block-printing and hand-painting and the designs consist of floral patterns, animals and birds as well as Persian-inspired roses, mangoes and blossoms.
DWARAKA's Kalamkari celebrates the potential of design. "The artisans had the skill, but they needed an organised platform to support them financially, to show them the wide world of customers and to save them from exploitation in the hands of middlemen," says Anita, tapping her fingers gently over the kalamkari-covered table at DWARAKA.
Actually, there's kalamkari almost everywhere in this showroom — the chairs have kalamkari backing and cushions, the office stationery is kalamkari and the pin boards sport the same art too. Mirrors framed by kalamkari panels are a favourite among customers, I'm told.
My eyes are drawn to the beautiful Tree of Life panel on the wall (Rs. 195 to Rs. 2,500). The saris in cotton, crepe and tussar silk are priced between Rs.1,500 and Rs. 4,250. Evening bags, handbags, casual bags and computer bags are well turned out and attractive (starting Rs. 250).
Stationery items such as greeting cards, files, CD holders, penholders, organisers and containers are charming and functional. Pillow covers at Rs. 140 to Rs. 170 and framed pieces of kalamkari (Rs.150 to Rs. 895) promise to brighten up any room.
If you want to do something for kalamkari, like the late Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay (who set up the Crafts Council of India and revived the Kalamkari in 1964), pick up a kalamkari. Be a part of the revival. With the offerings at DWARAKA being so smart and pretty you'll be doing yourself a favour too.
DWARAKA is at 18/1A, Bellary Road, Sadashivnagar (Near the Ramana Maharshi Temple). You can do your shopping online at www.dwarakaonline.com
You can call 080-23612265 or email DWARAKA at dwarakalam@yahoo.com
MALA KUMAR
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