Karuppur kalamkari paintings, Kallakurichi wood carvings get geographical indication (GI) tags

What is the News?

Karuppur kalamkari paintings and the Kallakurichi wood carvings have received geographical indication (GI) tags.

What are Karuppur kalamkari paintings?

Karuppur Kalamkari paintings are done in Karuppur and its surrounding villages in Tamil Nadu.

Purpose: The paintings are done on pure cotton cloth and are predominantly used in temples for umbrella covers, cylindrical hangings, chariot covers and asmanagiri (false ceiling cloth pieces).

Origin: The documentary evidence has shown that kalamkari paintings evolved under the patronage of Nayaka rulers in the early 17th century.

What are Kallakurichi wood carvings?

Kallakurichi wood carvings are mainly practised in the Kallakurichi district in Tamil Nadu.

Purpose: They are a unique form of wood carving ​​wherein the craftsmen are specialised in carving temple-related items and also furniture using traditional designs.

Origin: The woodcarving skill evolved as an indigenous art when Madurai was an important town under different monarchical regimes in ancient times. 

Source: This post is based on the article “Karuppur kalamkari paintings, Kallakurichi wood carvings get geographical indication (GI) tags” published in The Hindu on 9th October 2021.