Culture

Let us delve into the unique features of Tamil culture.

Sittanavasal Cave Paintings

Sittanavasal Temple-cave was originally attributed to Pandya King Mahendravarman-I (580–630 AD). Sittanavasal caves are like Ajanta and Bagh caves. The paintings include a pond with lotuses, bulls, elephants, apsaras(angels), and other gods. There are seventeen polished stone berths following each other in a row. These stones are of great importance as there are inscriptions in Brahmi scripts on them from the first century BC.

Location

Sittanavasal village in Pudukottai District

Bhavani Jamakkalam

In Bhavani, a community of weavers called Jangamars weaved a type of blanket using colored coarse threads called Jamakkalam Two types of jamakkalams are produced in Bhavani. The first type is made from coarser cotton threads capable of producing carpets with colored bands. As the thread was coarser, designs could not be weaved on to this type of carpet. Hence, a second softer variety of jamakkalams were introduced that were made of artificial silk threads enabling weavers to weave different kinds of border designs. Jamakkalams are also used to make fashion products such as backpacks.

Location

Bhavani

Thanjavur Thalaiyatti Bommai

Thanjavur Doll is a unique and antique product from the cultural city. The doll is a part of Thanjavur's traditional arts. It is found only in the district of Tanjore. The beautiful doll is well known for its elegant movements and steps like a dancer. The doll is put together to produce slow damping movements. The Thanjavur Doll plays an integral role in the Kondapalli Art and Craft. Thanjavur Dolls are also known as Thalaiyatti Bommai (locally Thalaiyatti means "shaking head" and Bommai means "doll"). The traditional handmade dolls are used as gifts and decorating items. The dolls were made during early 19th century.

Location

Thanjavur

Athangudi tiles

Athangudi tiles are ecofriendly handmade floor tiles, named after Athangudi, the village where they originated and are made. They have a cooling effect during the summer and warming effect during the winter months. Athangudi tiles also possess added health benefits. They aid in preventing joint pains and protect our feet from heel fissures. They are suitable for any kind of conditions and hence can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Location

Athangudi is a manufacturing place located in the Chettinad Area of Tamil Nadu.

Kanchipuram Sarees

As per legends, Kanjivaram silk weavers are the descendants of Sage Markanda, the master weaver of God. Many centuries later, his descendants settled in the small town of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, and continued to weave silk with bold, vibrant colors like their ancestors. When the weavers of Kanchipuram weave sarees, they weave a sacred textile that is hoped to bring happiness, health, and prosperity to the user. In a genuine Kanchipuram Silk Sari, body and border are woven separately and then interlocked together. The joint is woven so strongly that even if the saris tears, the border will not detach.

Location

Kanchipuram