Art and crafts in Tamil nadu
The graceful arts and crafts of Tamil Nadu have found generous mention in the archives of Kautilya, Pliny and a number of other scholars who were in awe of the soft muslin, fine silk, elaborate ivory work and precious gems like tortoise shells, diamonds, pearls and rubies produced by the state. Lying on the zenith of ancient culture and customs of the erstwhile Pallava, Pandya and Vijayanagar dynasties, Tamil Nadu houses abundant remnants that are a proof of architectural magnificence and cultural blossoming that belonged to that period.
The Paintings of Tanjore are famous and one of the most significant art and crafts of Tamil Nadu. The unique thing about these paintings is that they are done on wood, glass, mica, ivory as well as on walls. Moreover, a thin sheet of gold is used to color the painting along with primary colors. These tanjore paintings on ivory, mica and glass were introduced in the 18th century.
The Craft of Making Musical instruments is another popular craft of Tamil Nadu as music is like life and soul of Tamil Nadu. The art of making musical instruments is regarded as a major craft of the state. Thanjavur, which is the hometown of many famous musicians, is the major hub of this craft in Tamil Nadu. This town is famous for families that are involved in the trade of manufacturing Veenas for generations now. Other musical instruments made here are Thamburas with wooden base, the flute, and so on.
The Art of Creating Jewelery is another craft of Tamil Nadu. The traditional jewellery of the state is the stone-encrusted jewelery and the most famous ornaments are the gold waist belt, armlet, eardrop and so on.
Metalware is another craft of Tamil Nadu made with brass and copper. This craft is again an ancient craft of the state. The various objects made of Metal craft are mostly used for religious and utility purposes. Some such objects include lamp, trays, dishes, designs of deities, birds, flowers, and geometric patterns, toys, and so on.
Clay figures are made all over Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. Traditionally each village is guarded at its entrance by an enormous terracotta horse, which is the horse of Ayyanaar, a religious figure, the gramdevta of the village and its protector against all evils. Aiyyanar has an enormous moustache, big teeth and wide open eyes that keep constant vigil. Ayyanaar stands at the entrance surrounded by his horses and commanders or veerans. Ayyanaar figures, which include the horses in the army, range in height from less than a metre to over 6 metres. They are some of the largest terracotta figures to be sculpted and are painstakingly made by mixing the moist clay with straw and sand for a proper consistency. For the horse, four clay cylinders are rolled out with a piece of wood, for the legs, after which the body is built up gradually. The accessories, such as bells, mirrors, grotesque faces (kirthimukha) and crocodiles (makaras), are made separately as is the head. The parts are joined together on the auspicious tenth day, when the figure of Ayyanaar seated on the horse is given its features. This is then baked in a rustic kiln of straw and verati or dried cow-dung which is then covered with mud. Parts of the larger figures have to be fired separately, joined together and fired again. The faces are sometimes painted red to denote anger and the neck blue to denote calm. The rest of the body and decorations are also painted in bright colours.
Another important terracotta shrine is the naaga or serpent shrine, situated under a pipal tree near an anthill. It is made of clay with an intertwined body and is worshipped for its power of protection and rejuvenation. On Vinayaka Chathurthi clay Ganeshas are made and sold everywhere. These range in height from a few centimetres to a metre and they are glazed, painted, baked or often unbaked. The models are immersed in wells after the festival, and the unbaked form is preferred as it crumbles easily.
Granite is easily available in Tamil Nadu and a large number of temples are carved of this stone. Pallava stone carvings which show a high degree of skill and craftsmanship evolved in the 6th century and the rock-cut caves of Mamallapuram, stone rathas/chariots and the stone shore temples are part of this expression.
Great stone temples and carvings also date from the Chola period: examples of these are the Brihadeshwara temple at Thanjavur with its numerous carvings, the temple at Gangaikondacholapuram, the Airavathesvara temple at Darasuram and the Kampahareshvara temple at Thribhuvanam.
Other examples include the Chidambaram temple with its 108 karanas of the Natya Shaastra/the canon of dance. the Ekambareshwara and Varadaraaja temples of Kanchipuram, the Meenakshi temple at Madurai, with its numerous sculptures, magnificent proportions, thousand-pillared mandapas, pillars of stone, towering gopurams/towers, larger than life sized reliefs and the long corridor of the Rameshwaram temple.
Granite images have been essential for the construction of the fixed consecrated icons. The artisans around Mamallapuram chisel great blocks of granite to produce massive pillars as well as small icons. Stone carving is also practised in other parts of Tamil Nadu like Thirunelveli, Ramnad, Madurai and North Arcot districts. The sculptors belong to the Vishwakarma or Kammaalar community.
The Shilpa Shaastras or the treatise on crafts detail the measurements and techniques of sculpting, the quality of stone, its maturity, texture, colour and so on. The stone used by the sculptor is hard so that it does not lose its shape easily or chip unexpectedly. The stone should have no flaws or kalanga (stain), rekha(patch) or bindu(spot). The tools used by the sculptors are made of mild steel in various sizes. To prevent the stone from cracking from the vibration of the instrument, the image is always carved with the stone laid flat on the ground whether the posture is seated or standing.
Tamil Nadu is also famous for its artistic basketry and fiber products which is exported from Tamilnadu to other parts of India and abroad. The materials used for this woodcrafts are palm, bamboo, cane, Grasses, reeds and fibres and they are mainly used for making baskets, ropes, mats, bags, etc. There is a good demang for this handicrafts all over the world. Dharampuri, Salem, Coimbatore, South Arcot and Tiruchirapalli districts are the main manufacturing centers of these woodcrafts of Tamilnadu.
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Tamil Nadu is a state in southern India with a rich history and culture. The state is home to a number of different ethnic groups, each with its own unique art and crafts traditions.
Clay Pottery is one of the oldest and most popular Art Forms in Tamil Nadu. Potters use a variety of techniques to create their wares, including hand-building, wheel-throwing, and molding. Clay pots are used for a variety of purposes, including cooking, storing food, and carrying water.
Wood carving is another important art form in Tamil Nadu. Woodcarvers use a variety of tools to create their works, including chisels, gouges, and knives. Woodcarvings are used for a variety of purposes, including furniture, religious objects, and decorative items.
Metal work is also a popular art form in Tamil Nadu. Metalworkers use a variety of metals, including gold, silver, copper, and bronze. Metalwork is used to create a variety of objects, including jewelry, utensils, and weapons.
Textile weaving is another important art form in Tamil Nadu. Weavers use a variety of techniques to create their fabrics, including hand-loom weaving, power loom weaving, and tie-dyeing. Textiles are used for a variety of purposes, including clothing, home furnishings, and religious objects.
Handicrafts are also a popular art form in Tamil Nadu. Craftspeople use a variety of materials, including wood, metal, clay, and textiles, to create a variety of objects, including toys, jewelry, and decorative items.
Jewelry is also an important art form in Tamil Nadu. Jewelers use a variety of metals, including gold, silver, and precious stones, to create their jewelry. Jewelry is used for a variety of purposes, including adornment, religious purposes, and as a status symbol.
Painting is another important art form in Tamil Nadu. Painters use a variety of techniques, including oil painting, watercolor painting, and fresco painting. Paintings are used for a variety of purposes, including religious purposes, decorative purposes, and as a way to record history.
Sculpture is also an important art form in Tamil Nadu. Sculptors use a variety of materials, including stone, wood, and metal, to create their sculptures. Sculptures are used for a variety of purposes, including religious purposes, decorative purposes, and as a way to record history.
Architecture is another important art form in Tamil Nadu. Architects use a variety of styles, including Dravidian architecture, Indo-Saracenic architecture, and Modern architecture, to create their buildings. Buildings are used for a variety of purposes, including religious purposes, residential purposes, and commercial purposes.
Dance is another important art form in Tamil Nadu. Dancers use a variety of styles, including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniyattam, to perform their dances. Dances are used for a variety of purposes, including religious purposes, entertainment purposes, and as a way to express emotions.
Music is also an important art form in Tamil Nadu. Musicians use a variety of instruments, including the veena, the mridangam, and the flute, to create their music. Music is used for a variety of purposes, including religious purposes, entertainment purposes, and as a way to express emotions.
Literature is also an important art form in Tamil Nadu. Tamil literature has a long and rich history, dating back to the 3rd century BCE. Tamil literature includes a variety of genres, including poetry, drama, and fiction.
Cinema is also an important art form in Tamil Nadu. Tamil cinema is one of the most popular film industries in India. Tamil films are known for their vibrant colors, catchy music, and emotional stories.
Food is also an important art form in Tamil Nadu. Tamil cuisine is known for its use of spices, its fresh ingredients, and its bold flavors. Tamil dishes are often served with rice and sambar, a lentil and vegetable stew.
Festivals are also an important part of Tamil culture. Tamil festivals are celebrated throughout the year, and each festival has its own unique traditions and customs. Some of the most popular Tamil festivals include Pongal, Deepavali, and Maha Shivratri.
Sports are also an important part of Tamil culture. Cricket is the most popular sport in Tamil Nadu, followed by football and kabaddi. Tamil athletes have excelled in a variety of sports, including cricket, hockey, and badminton.
Tourism is also an important Industry-in-tamil-nadu/”>INDUSTRY IN TAMIL NADU. The state is home to a number of popular tourist destinations, including the temples of Madurai and Thanjavur, the beaches of Chennai and Kovalam, and the hill stations of Ooty and Kodaikanal.
In conclusion, Tamil Nadu is a state with a rich history and culture. The state is home to a number of different ethnic groups, each with its own unique art and crafts traditions. Tamil
What are the different types of art and crafts in Tamil Nadu?
Tamil Nadu is a state in southern India with a rich history and culture. The state is home to a diverse range of art and crafts, including textiles, pottery, metalwork, and woodcarving.
Some of the most popular types of art and crafts in Tamil Nadu include:
- Textiles: Tamil Nadu is known for its beautiful silk sarees, which are often embroidered with intricate designs. The state is also home to a number of handloom weaving centers, where traditional textiles are produced using centuries-old techniques.
- Pottery: Tamil Nadu is home to a number of villages where pottery is still made using traditional methods. The state is known for its black pottery, which is made from a special type of clay that is found in the region.
- Metalwork: Tamil Nadu is home to a number of metalworking centers, where traditional metalworking techniques are used to create a variety of objects, including jewelry, utensils, and weapons.
- Woodcarving: Tamil Nadu is home to a number of woodcarving centers, where skilled artisans create beautiful works of art from wood. The state is known for its intricate woodcarvings, which often depict religious or mythological scenes.
What are the characteristics of Tamil Nadu art and crafts?
Tamil Nadu art and crafts are characterized by their intricate designs, use of bright colors, and attention to detail. The state’s art and crafts are often inspired by nature, religion, and mythology.
What are the benefits of supporting Tamil Nadu art and crafts?
There are many benefits to supporting Tamil Nadu art and crafts. By supporting the state’s art and crafts industry, you are helping to preserve a vital part of the state’s culture. You are also helping to support the livelihoods of the many artisans who work in the industry.
In addition, supporting Tamil Nadu art and crafts can help to promote the state’s tourism industry. Visitors to the state are often interested in purchasing traditional handicrafts as souvenirs. By supporting the state’s art and crafts industry, you are helping to make Tamil Nadu a more attractive tourist destination.
How can I learn more about Tamil Nadu art and crafts?
There are many ways to learn more about Tamil Nadu art and crafts. You can visit museums and art galleries in the state, where you will find a variety of exhibits on the subject. You can also visit traditional markets, where you can purchase handicrafts directly from the artisans who make them.
In addition, there are a number of books and websites that provide information on Tamil Nadu art and crafts. You can also find a number of organizations that promote the state’s art and crafts industry. These organizations often offer workshops and classes on traditional handicrafts.
How can I buy Tamil Nadu art and crafts?
There are a number of places where you can buy Tamil Nadu art and crafts. You can purchase handicrafts directly from the artisans who make them at traditional markets. You can also purchase handicrafts from stores that specialize in traditional Indian Handicrafts.
In addition, there are a number of online retailers that sell Tamil Nadu art and crafts. When purchasing handicrafts online, it is important to make sure that you are buying from a reputable source. You should also make sure that you are aware of the shipping costs and customs fees that may apply.
Sure. Here are some MCQs without mentioning the topic Art and crafts in Tamil Nadu:
Which of the following is not a type of Indian art?
(A) Painting
(B) Sculpture
(C) Architecture
(D) DanceWhich of the following is not a type of Indian craft?
(A) Textiles
(B) Metalwork
(C) Woodwork
(D) PotteryWhich of the following is not a state in India?
(A) Tamil Nadu
(B) Kerala
(C) Karnataka
(D) Andhra PradeshWhich of the following is not a city in India?
(A) Chennai
(B) Bangalore
(C) Hyderabad
(D) MumbaiWhich of the following is not a river in India?
(A) Ganges
(B) Brahmaputra
(C) Indus
(D) YamunaWhich of the following is not a mountain range in India?
(A) Himalayas
(B) Vindhyas
(C) Satpuras
(D) AravalliWhich of the following is not a language spoken in India?
(A) Hindi
(B) English
(C) Tamil
(D) TeluguWhich of the following is not a religion practiced in India?
(A) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism
(B) Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism
(C) Islam
(D) ChristianityWhich of the following is not a festival celebrated in India?
(A) Diwali
(B) Holi
(C) Eid
(D) ChristmasWhich of the following is not a food item eaten in India?
(A) Curry
(B) Rice
(C) Chapati
(D) Pizza
I hope these MCQs were helpful!