GI Tag to Karuppur Kalamkari Paintings & Kallakurichi Wood Carvings

The traditional dye-painted figurative and patterned cloth called Karuppur kalamkari paintings and the wood carvings of Kallakurichi from Tamil Nadu have received geographical indication (GI) tags.

About Karuppur Kalamkari Paintings

• Kalamkari paintings emerged under the rule of the Nayaka emperors in the early 17th century. Kalamkari means to create something with a 'kalam', or brush.
• Kalamkari paintings are done in Karuppur and its surrounding villages in the Udayarpalayam taluk in Ariyalur district, and in and around Sickhanayakanpatti and Thirupanandal in Thiruvidaimaruthur taluk, Thanjavur district.
• These paintings are made of white cotton cloth, which is widely used in temples for umbrella covers, circular curtains, chariot covers and asmanagiri (pieces of false roof fabric).
• Traditionally, only three colors are used - black, red, and yellow. But recently, ‘Pale blue’ has also come into use.

About Kallakurichi Wood Carving

• Kallakurichi wood carving is a unique method of wood carving which involves the use of decoration and designs, found in traditional styles by artisans.
• The skill of carving came to light as a traditional art form in which Madurai was an important city under various royal empires in ancient times.
• Kallakurichi wood carvings are made mainly in Kallakurichi, Chinnaselam and Tharukkovilur taluks in the Kallakurichi region.
• They are a unique form of wood carving wherein the craftsmen are specialised in carving temple-related items and also furniture using traditional designs.
• The wood carvings of Kallakurichi involve the application of ornamentation and designs, derived from traditional styles by the craftsmen. They are mainly practiced in Kallakurichi, Chinnaselam and Thirukkovilur taluks of Kallakurichi district.