Crafts of Tamil Nadu

The state of Tamil Nadu has an exquisite range of crafts, which are made with dexterity and speaks volume of the creative bent of mind of the people. The locals of the state make the maximum use of local resources that are available. Some of the important crafts of the state include, papier - mache, stone craft, pottery, woodcraft, embroidery, durries and metalware.

The arts and crafts of Tamil Nadu have found mention in the archives of Kautilya, Pliny and a number of scholars who were mesmerized by the soft muslin, fine silk, elaborate ivory work and precious gems like tortoise shells, diamonds, pearls and rubies that are available in abundance in the region. Lying on the zenith of ancient culture from the Pallava, Pandya and Vijayanagar dynasties, Tamil Nadu houses abundant remnants that exemplify its architectural and cultural blossoming.

The state rose to prominence for the outstanding Tanjore Paintings that flourished at the time of Chola dynasty in ancient Tanjavur. The paintings showcase embellished form of the sacred deities of the region that are festooned with glass pieces, pearls, semi-precious stones, and gold and other vibrant colors.

In Tamil Nadu, waste paper pulp is mixed with local clay and beaten in to a soft substance, which is then rolled in to thin malleable sheets. Life sized dolls; scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, images of Gods and Goddesses are among the many papier - mache items that are made in Tamil Nadu. After moulding the papier - mache pulp, the articles are dipped in a thin solution of paper pulp and white clay and then painted in oil or water colour.

In the north Arcot district in Vellore, earthenware in red and black are made. It is a traditional craft in many places of Tamil Nadu, like in Usilampatti in Madurai district where black pottery is painted with a special yellow substance. In South Arcot in Panruti, clay is used to produce small and large figures of deities, toys etc. Karigiri in south Arcot is known for exclusive style of pottery. Some noteworthy items of this type of pottery are water jugs, tea and dinner sets, ashtrays, beautifully decorated flower vases and decorative animal figures made as paperweights. Every item has a distinct structure and artistically designed. Pottery from Karukurichi in Tirunelveli district is known for technical superiority and attractive shapes. Mainly utility items are produced here. For the base, red, black and grey clay are used and it has a shinning effect only after a coating of red ochre.

Several places in Tamil Nadu are known for woodcraft. Virudunagar, Nagercoil, and Suchindram have passed the tradition of wood carving from generation to generation. Madurai is known for its carvings on rosewood items. In this type of carvings, there are bold motifs with intricate carves. The tabletops are covered with floral motifs or parrots or panels where scenes from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana are etched out.

In the Nilgiri region the Toda women are known for rich and attractive embroidery called pugar, which means flower. Shawls called poothkuli are also embroidered with floral motifs, animal and human figures, which are worn by men in Roman style. A distinguishing style of appliqué work in Tanjore is used for decorating temples especially those adorning the carved chariots that are used in procession. The designs are mainly traditional motifs and icons of gods and goddesses.

Weaving is a craft, which has developed since ages. The Bhawani durries of Coimbatore district is woven in cotton and silk. On a cotton base, cotton stripes or traditional designs are woven.

Weaving sari is another form of craft of the state. The state is famous for the gorgeous Kanchipuram sarees. The Kanchipuram sarees have a long past and the weavers claim that the tradition of these sarees have descended from Sage Markanda. The pallu has a different kind of wrap and is often woven separately and attached to the body. The sarees have been given a more contemporary look by reducing the density of motifs and bringing variations in colour.

Beautiful mats are made from korai grass with cotton and silk in the weft. It is a specialty of the Pattamadai village, which is in Tirunelveli district. The colour palette is dominated by red, green and black. Today the mats have been given a more contemporary look and have a relatively large demand in the national and international market. Other products made from the korai grass are bags, runners, office folders etc.

Nachairchoil in Thanjavur district is known for items in metals. A special jar with a cashew nut design is an exclusive metal ware of the place. Other items of metal wares are tumblers, water containers, food cases, bells, candle stands, kerosene lamps, picnic carriers, and a large variety of lamps in different shapes and sizes.

The villages of Tamil Nadu are full of Palm trees, coconut, date and Palmyra. Palm is the major source of raw material for preparing baskets and related products. Other raw materials like bamboo, cane, grasses, fibers and reeds are also used in making baskets, thatch, ropes, mats and many other things.

The baskets are prepared throughout the state of Tamil Nadu. But only a few centres like Dharmapuri, Salem, Coimbatore, erstwhile South Arcot and Thiruchirapalli districts are engaged in mass production and trading. The bamboo baskets are used to store and carry food grains by the farmers of Tamil Nadu. These baskets are covered with cow dung both in the inner and outer surfaces. The sturdier cane is used for making furniture, bowls and other items of household use. These items are prepared in Chennai, erstwhile North Arcot and Tanjavur districts.

The forest plant called `Azhingi` is another sturdier product and the stem of it are used to prepared baskets. These baskets are generallu used for carrying bricks, mortar and mud in construction business. The palmyra fibres and leaves are tressed in various patterns to prepare baskets of different sizes and shapes. The baskets prepared out of the date palm are very similar to bamboo products used at homes.

The fibre craft of Tamil Nadu has been developed mainly by the women of Kanyakumari district. These women prepare tablemats and many kinds of bags from the banana, sisal, aloe, screw pine and pineapple fibers. The pith is a kind of reed or fiber, which is used for making models of temples and toys. As these toys can be coloured and painted, these pith toys can be seen mostly during festivals. A grain-oriented craft of Tamil Nadu villages is that of paddy to defend against evil eyes. These baskets and fiber products prepared here have a high demand all over India and even in foreign countries. But the most important role played by these craft art is it has provided employment to many million people of the rural and tribal community living in the countryside.

The Stone Crafts of Tamil Nadu stand apart for the creative exuberance of the craftsmen. The deft artisans are praised for the flamboyant stone creations that are displayed on the temples and architectural edifices. The vestiges of the age old stone carvings by the craftsmen of Tamil Nadu still recount the narratives of a bygone era and stand as the historical evidences as well.

The stone crafts of Tamil Nadu have a distinctive quality and style. Due to the patronisation of the ancient and medieval dynasties of rich cultural authenticity and the bounteousness of the emperors, the stone craft of Tamil Nadu got its distinct identity. The excavated evidences found at archeological sites exhibit the creative excellence of the artisans that include granite figurines and statuettes. These are exemplary of the superb artistry of the artisans of Tamil Nadu. The main centres of stone crafts in Tamil Nadu are located around Mamallapuram and Chingleput where the splendid granite stone carvings are hugely displayed. These are the creative exuberance of the local Vishwakarma or Kammaalar communities. The craftsmen of Tamil Nadu are also deft in creating soapstone or `maakal` carving that are predominated in the area enclosed between Puducherry and Cuddalore and also in the belts surrounding Salem.

The stone crafts of Tamil Nadu have been praised for the beautifully carved temples among which the Meenakshi temple at Madurai, the mandapas, the pillars of stone, towering gopurams (gateway) etc are the hallmarks of the stone craft of this place. The beautiful creations that depict 108 karanas of the Natya Shastra are located at Chidambaram. Kanchipuram stands as the exclusive place for displaying different super creations of the artisans during the Pallava and the Nayak period and even the successive times. The Ekambareshwara Temple and the Varadaraaja Temple are also exemplary of the style and creations of the craftsmen maintaining the technique described in Shilpa Shastra.

The stone crafts of Tamil Nadu exhibit the indigenous variations of the stone and the homogeneity of the created structures that marks the state unique in the aspect of stone carving.

The bamboo and cane crafts of Tamil Nadu predominantly carry the variations of house hold items and some items are made for home décor and other purposes.

The bamboo and cane crafts of Tamil Nadu include the usage of the fibres of cane or rattan and Tamil reed bamboo. These fibres are used largely for making furniture, bowls, baskets and other house hold items. Tamil Nadu is a place where the raw materials for bamboo and cane crafts can be found in profusion. The dexterous artisans of this land are an added advantage to accelerate the crafts. One of the major products that are made from bamboo and cane is basket. Apart from basketry the local artisans create items like dolls, toys, mats, trays, flower baskets, shopping bags, folding fans etc. with bamboo, cane, grasses, reeds and fibres. Contemporary craftsmen also make utility items like baskets and trays.

Another popular item of bamboo and cane crafts of Tamil Nadu include window screens made of bamboo slats and tied with plain or coloured string in designs all over northern India. These are named as `chiks` by the local people. The main centers of bamboo and cane crafts are to be found in Dharampuri, Salem, Coimbatore, South Arcot and Tiruchirapalli districts of Tamil Nadu. Other centres that are widely known for manufacturing bamboo and cane items involve at Thanjavur and Arcot. Toys and dolls are also produced from grass, bamboo and cane. This craft is mainly centered at Dharampuri, Salem, Coimbatore, South Arcot and Tiruchirapalli Districts.

Mat weaving is a distinct art form of bamboo and cane crafts of Tamil Nadu. Apart from these, the craftsmen create fodder containers, fish baskets, trinket boxes, modhas (stools), chattais (mats) and grain-threshing trays for regular usage.

The bamboo and cane crafts of Tamil Nadu are getting foreground in the local market through various exhibitions and Indian trade scheme. The government is planning to promote this craft which has a bright future by providing aids and encouraging the artisans to occupy the local as well as the market of the country.

Clay Crafts of Tamil Nadu are famed for making terracotta items with a wide range of variety ranging from utilitarian items to decorative pieces that catch the fancy of modern and urban people.

The prominent centres of Clay craft of Tamil Nadu are located in Chennai, Kanchipuram and parts of Arcot district. Vellore in north Arcot district has gained popularity for black and red earthenwares created with excellent artistic charm. Kanchipuram is also a well-known clay-toy making centre. Black pottery in Usilampatti, Madurai is an ancient craft form. The articles in this form of clay crafts are painted with a special yellow material. Panruti in south Arcot is renowned for an array of clay works that ranging from large figures of deities to toys and other items. Karigiri in south Arcot is most famous for creating items with a local semi-vitreous white low fusing china clay with high plasticity known as `namakatte`. The exclusivity of this particular type of pottery lies in its creation of highly artistic shapes, use of vibrant colours and brilliant adornment. Karigiri is also acclaimed for creating toy animals especially the toy zoo which is a collection of wild animals. A wide variation is maintained in creating a special kind of comic toys called `Chettiar` toys which are comical in appearance with traditional attire, sacred thread and a paunch. The artisans give the toys a modern look by decorating these toys with modern dresses and oscillating-heads. A special kind of toy called `Gundu Chettiar` is believed to bring good fortune and is widely available in the local markets. The toys are also used for religious purposes. The toys or dolls which are used in the festival of Dussehra are usually made of terracotta.

The clay crafts of Tamil Nadu have a wide variety of clay items to offer and the skilled handling of the artisans give the clay items a different appeal. Even the very common clay pipe chillum is made into a notable item both through its elegant shape and its deep blue or green varnish. Apart from these items, the artisans of this place are adept in creating water jugs, tableware items including tea and dinner sets, ashtrays, beautifully decorated flower vases and decorative animal figures and paperweights.

The clay crafts of Tamil Nadu have a tradition of making clay toys as well. Making of this clay items need special care and a few steps are followed while creating these toys. On the first level, plaster of Paris is mixed with tapioca powder to form a paste which is dried till it can be rolled into layers. This paste is then transformed into moulds. Rock clay is used after being properly moistened. Then this is pushed into the mould dusted with French chalk powder to make it easily removable. This mould is then exposed to heat and then the final mould is prepared. After preparing the mould, the artisans give shape to the different items as per his desires. The items are then coloured by the women.

The clay crafts of Tamil Nadu have been providing livelihood to many people as in Chennai almost 300 artisan families from Cuddalore who have settled in Kosapet are engaged in clay craft. Clay craft of Karukurichi in Tirunelveli district is popular for its technical superiority and creative exuberance. These clay crafts are prepared with the usage of red, black and grey clay base. This clay body appears to be of an added glitz after applying a coating of red ochre. This method is applied almost on each item that serves the utilitarian need.

The clay crafts of Tamil Nadu have a distinctive style and the artisans of Tamil Nadu follow a particular style and charm that is predominantly their own.