Pictorial Analysis of South Indian Kalamkari with Special Reference to the Ancient Indian Aesthetics (Iconography and Shadanga)

Author(s)	Dr. PRAGYA - PATHAK, Prof. Dr. RITU - JOHRI
Country	India
Abstract	This study explores Kalamkari paintings as a distinctive extension of Indian temple art, focusing on their structural features, narrative traditions, and integration of ancient Indian aesthetic principles. Historically, Kalamkari functioned in both devotional and performative contexts, portraying Hindu narratives through large textile hangings imbued with iconographic conventions. The study highlights the synthesis of folk and classical elements and examines how artists invoked spiritual and aesthetic frameworks to situate Kalamkari within the broader tradition of temple mural painting. Through an analysis of iconography, rhythmic line work, and colour symbolism, the paper demonstrates how Kalamkari embodies Rasa and Bhāva, reflecting dynamic Hindu religious sensibilities. While partially conforming to canonical iconographic prescriptions, Kalamkari emphasizes metaphorical and expressive freedom, underscoring its role as both a sacred artistic language and a living cultural heritage. This synthesis positions Kalamkari as a significant medium for preserving religious narratives and temple aesthetics in a portable, richly symbolic textile form.
Keywords	Kalamkari, Indian Aesthetics, Iconography, Temple-arts, Shadanga
Field	Arts > Drawing
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On	2026-02-06

About IJFMR Fees & Payment Current Issue Publication Archive	Submit Research Paper Track Submission Status Publication Guidelines Publication Ethics Peer Review & Plagiarism	Join as a Reviewer Editors & Reviewers Reviewer Referral Program Get Reviewer Membership Certi.	Website/Journal Policies Usage Policy Content Policies Privacy Policy

Contact Us		+91-9687-828-838	editor@ijfmr.com

International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research