Handicraft of Tamil Nadu | Tamil Nadu State PSC (TNPSC): Preparation - TNPSC (Tamil Nadu) PDF Download

Introduction

Tamil Nadu, with its deep cultural heritage and vibrant traditions, has a rich history of handicrafts that reflects its artistic evolution over centuries. The state's handicrafts are not just art forms but are integral to its cultural identity. They blend imagination and creativity with time-honored techniques, offering a glimpse into Tamil Nadu's artistic soul. Here is an overview of the main centers and specialties of Tamil Nadu's handicrafts.

Pattamadai Mats

• Craftsmanship: Pattamadai, located in the Tirunelveli district, is renowned for its exquisite reed mats made from korai grass. These mats are traditionally crafted with cotton or silk weft threads.
• Designs and Colors: Traditional mats feature colors such as red, green, and black, with patterns that include stripes and streaks. Modern design influences have introduced contemporary patterns, making these mats popular both nationally and internationally.
• Current Trends: Besides mats, Pattamadai artisans now create shopping bags, place mats, runners, and office folders from korai grass.

Kanchipuram Saris

• Heritage: Kanchipuram is famous for its silk saris, believed to have been influenced by Sage Markanda. These saris are known for their intricate designs, including motifs of suns, moons, swans, and peacocks, woven in gold thread.
• Distinct Features: The saris are characterized by their rich borders and pallu, often woven separately and joined to the main fabric. The fabric is thick and luxurious, featuring detailed gold or intricate thread work.
• Modern Adaptations: Contemporary Kanchipuram saris may include less dense motifs and new color palettes.

Chola Bronzes

• Crafting Process: The Chola period is renowned for bronze casting, particularly using the "panchaloha" technique. This involves creating a wax model of the icon, covering it with clay, and then heating it to remove the wax before pouring molten metal into the mold.
• Traditional Centers: Swamimalai, Madurai, and Tiruchirapalli are known for producing these bronze icons, following the traditional Shilpa Shastra rules.

Tanjore Gold Leaf Paintings

• Origins and Characteristics: Tanjore paintings, originating from the Marhatta rulers' courts, depict Hindu gods and scenes from epics like Ramayana. These paintings are adorned with gold leaf, gilt metal pieces, and semi-precious stones.
• Current Craftsmanship: The best Tanjore paintings are produced in Chennai, where artists use traditional methods and vegetable pigments to maintain authenticity.

Papier Mâché

• Technique: In Tamil Nadu, waste paper pulp is mixed with local clay to create thin, malleable sheets. These are used to craft a variety of items, including dolls, epic scenes, and masks.
• Decorative Process: The crafted items are dipped in a mixture of paper pulp and white clay before being painted with oil or water colors.

Stonecraft

• Historical Significance: Stone carving has been a significant craft in Tamil Nadu, especially in temple architecture. Artisans, known as sthapatis, create stone icons and structures following precise measurements and rules.
• Notable Sites: Mahabalipuram is renowned for its stone carvings, including religious and secular sculptures. The Mahabalipuram School of Traditional Architecture continues this legacy.

Pottery

• Regional Variations: Tamil Nadu's pottery is diverse. Vellore is known for black and red earthenware, while Usilampatti produces black pottery with yellow accents. Panruti is famous for various clay works, and Karigiri is noted for its artistic pottery with unique glazes.
• Techniques and Styles: Karukurichi pottery features red, black, and grey clay, with a bright appearance after applying red ochre.

Woodcraft

• Key Areas: Virudunagar, Devakottai, Karaikkudi, Nagercoil, and Suchindram are prominent for their woodcraft. They produce traditional items like finely carved shrines and panels, as well as modern household articles.
• Specialty: Madurai is particularly noted for its rosewood carvings, characterized by bold forms and intricate details.

Embroidery

• Toda Embroidery: The Toda community of the Nilgiris is known for their embroidery style called pugar, which features geometric patterns on shawls worn by men. The designs are symbolic and include floral, animal, and human motifs.
• Appliqué Work: In Tanjore, applique work is used to decorate temple hangings and chariots with traditional motifs and images of deities.

Durries

• Historical Craft: Bhawani durries from Coimbatore, woven in cotton and silk, have a history of a couple of centuries. Initially known for silk, the focus has shifted to cotton for economic reasons.

Metalware

• Crafting Locations: Nachiarcoil in Thanjavur is known for its brassware due to the scarcity of copper. The range includes vases, tumblers, water containers, and decorative items.
• Distinctive Items: The cashew-nut design jar is a hallmark of Nachiarcoil metalwork.

Craft of Musical Instruments

• Traditional Instruments: Tamil Nadu has a rich tradition of musical instrument making, centered around Thanjavur. Instruments like the wooden Yaazh and Veena, crafted from jackwood, are integral to Tamil classical music. Other traditional instruments include the Thamburas and kuzhal, made from bamboo, sandalwood, and bronze.