Stone Carvings

The state of Tamil Nadu is credited with a splendid age-old architecture that is marked by magnificent temples and splendid architectural edifices that recount the narratives of a bygone era. The relics of the ancient stone carvings are also an important source of historical evidence.

The ancient state whose culturally refined citizens were a firm practitioner of the celebrated trio of Iyal (Literature), Isai (Music) and Nadagam (Drama) flourished under the auspices of the rulers of the Pallava, Chola, Pandya and Vijayanagar dynasties. Tamil Nadu is known as the city of temples and is renowned for its architectural landmarks that contain ornate stone sculpture.

Tamil Nadu, the center of South India’s cultural extravaganza had exhibited a distinctive brilliance in its stone carvings during the commencement days of ancient Indian history. This primordial craft achieved prominence because of the generosity of the culturally refined ancient sovereigns who patronized the talented local craftsmen and kept the art form alive.

Among the relics of Tamil Nadu’s stone carvings that have been excavated from archeological sites, the granite figurines and statuettes deserve special mention. They narrate a sad tale of the vestiges of time. Contemporary granite carving is confined mainly around Mamallapuram and Chingleput, with the leading sculptors hailing from the local Vishwakarma or Kammaalar communities.

Another eminent and auxiliary form of ancient Tamil sculpture included the soapstone or maakal carving that prevailed in the tiny area enclosed between Pondicherry and Cuddalore and also in the belts surrounding Salem.

The stone carvings of Tamil Nadu that are a hallmark of ancient Indian history are also the precursor of several contemporary handicrafts and trendy lifestyle products.

Last Updated on 1/17/2011