Sikalnayakenpet Kalamkari- The Sacred Art of Tamilnadu

Rooted in Thanjavur’s cultural heritage, Sikalnayakenpet Kalamkari is a lesser-known but deeply revered textile art form from Tamil Nadu. Dating back to the 16th century, this traditional Kalamkari painting style is celebrated for its intricate mythological motifs, temple-inspired borders, and ritual significance.

First patronized by Sevappa Nayak, the Nayaka ruler of Thanjavur, this sacred art form was introduced by artists from Karuppur who later settled in Sikalnayakenpet, now the heart of this unique textile tradition.

Mythology in Every Motif

What sets Sikalnayakenpet Kalamkari apart is its rich, figurative detail-especially against its signature black background.

These artworks often depict:

• Hindu gods and goddesses

• Mythical creatures like yazhis

• Sacred animals like swans and peacocks

Unlike the more narrative-driven Srikalahasti Kalamkari, this style focuses on ornamental density, especially in borders and backgrounds.

Stories from the Ramayana, Bhagavata Purana, and legends of rulers like Thirumalai Nayak dominate the visual language. Many motifs are inspired by the intricate temple carvings found in shrines like the Kabartheeswarar Temple.

These textiles are not just decorative-they are ritual artifacts, used in religious festivals like Panguni Uthiram to adorn temple chariots and canopies.

A woman filling dyes

The Process

Each Sikalnayakenpet Kalamkari piece is created with devotion and precision, rooted in natural materials and spiritual intention.

The process includes:

1. Fabric Preparation: Typically done on gada cloth or silk, the fabric is washed and treated with rice water and buffalo milk to soften and prepare it for dyeing.

2. Myrobalan Soak: This natural cleanser sets the base tone and removes any lingering odors.

3. Design Tracing: Artists use pencil to sketch the design, followed by hand-drawn outlines using Kasimkaram—a black dye made of jaggery and iron filings, applied with a tamarind twig pen.

Natural Dyes, Layer by Layer

Color is added gradually, using natural dyes derived from plants and minerals:

• Red from madder root and alizarin

• Yellow from pomegranate peel

• Blue from indigo

• Green by blending yellow and blue

After each color application, the fabric is sun-dried and milk-soaked, ensuring crisp hues and preventing dye mixing. This step-by-step process ensures the artwork retains its clarity, richness, and environmental integrity.

Finishing Touches

The final step involves a series of natural washes and mordant applications, including cow dung and Myrobalan, to permanently fix the colours. The fabric is dried in the shade before being crafted into sarees, dupattas, wall hangings, bags, and more—each piece echoing generations of craftsmanship.

Sikalnayakenpet Kalamkari Today

Recognized by a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, Sikalnayakenpet Kalamkari is actively preserved as a vital part of Tamil Nadu’s living heritage.

Despite modern adaptations, the art remains closely tied to temple rituals, community storytelling, and sustainable handcraft traditions. It thrives where brush meets belief, continuing to inspire new generations of artisans and admirers.