The origin of terracotta art can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization of 3500 B.C.

Some of the terracotta remains of vessels, sculptures and tools discovered by the archaeologists from various parts of South India show some similarity with the present day items.

The art of terracotta varies from region to region of various parts of India. Each region has its unique style terracotta sculptures and even clay colour of different areas vary from each other. In various festivals and rituals, the clay sculptures play a very important part. The example of this terracotta art can be seen in the Salem and Pudduk-kotai districts. There can be seen large horses that were five metres high and there are also few smaller ones, which are made all over the state like Pondicherry, Dindigul and now in Chennai too. Some other figures such as of toys and pots, can be seen, which are used for various occasions.

One can see a large terracotta horse at the entrance of every village and also in front of some village temples. These are believed to be of Aiyanar, the kavalkaaran or guardian of the village and protector of travellers. The villagers have a faith that Aiyanar guards them against evil, ill fortune and disease. The two major Hindu sects called Saivaities and Vaishnavites believe in Aiyanar as Aiyanar is identified with both Siva and Vishnu.

The clays of the terracotta art look like bronze and are supposed to have great strength in South India. These art figures are made strong by adding rice, straw and horse or cow dung with the clay in Tamil Nadu. The clay is then molded to remove any kind of impurities and air bubbles. There are millions of terracotta potters and sculptors all over India and most of them claim to have descended from the Prajapati. Prajapati is believed to be the first potter created by Vishwakarma or the creator. The Kumhars and Velars living in different parts of South India hold a high position in the village.

The terracotta pots and sculptures are made mostly during the summer season, as it is the most favourable time for pot making. At the time of festivals like Deepavali, Pongal and Vinayaka Chathurthi and marriage ceremonies, the demand of these terracotta pots and sculptures increases. The potters dedicate the monsoon season to farming.

Now days, the terracota sculptures are made on the basis of imagination. There are many designer clay sculptures of gods and goddesses and other decorative images can be seen during festive seasons. Even the foreign buyers were impressed by the terracotta arts of South India. The styles of making the sculptures have also changed according to the demand of these westerners. The traditional votive terracotta is also influenced by this affect. Earlier, these were made by single person but now it is being mass-produced.

But with the increase in the use of plastic and steel utensils, the livelihood of potters has also changed. The cement sculptures of some areas of Tamil Nadu have now replaced the terracotta sculptures. But it is still practiced in several parts of South India and struggling top survive.