ARTS & CRAFTS

KOLAMS

Kolam designs have been tradionally handed down to the younger generation by the elders. Today, several organisations and magazines conduct kolam exhibitions & contests to revive the interest in traditional habits & customs. There are enthusiasts who create fresh new designs, but kolams are basically redrawn by the public following the designs taught by elders or printed in books & magazines.

SCULPTURES

The temples constructed over the centuries boast of the sculptures, exhibiting the Indian artisans' talent. The numerous sculptures on temple walls are all hewn out of hard rock & last to date. Rock-cut architecture was perfected by the Buddhists, and was followed by several Hindu rulers. The Pallavas excelled in this art in the South of India.

The sculptures or idols in temples are made of granite (if it is mula vigraham) & the Utsava murthis are made of bronze & panchaloha. Apart from these, there are the huge Iyyanar statues & horses which still exist in South Indian villages.

Terracota (clay figurines) is an art in which various techniques are folowed by artisans in different parts of India. Sculptures are also made in various other metals such as brass, copper, white metal, glass, papier-mache, etc.,

	Rock-cut architecture
	Sculptural details - Natarajar temple chariot, Chidambaram ..... 1 ... 2 ... 3 ... 4
	Sculptural details - Brihadeeswarar Temple........ 1 ...... 2 ...... 3 ...... 4
	Sculptures in 1000 pillared Hall, Meenakshi Temple
	Metal Sculptures
	Contemporary sculptures, Mahabalipuram
	Photographs of Mahabalipuram taken in June 2003 by Ken www.romancing-the-tea.com/gallery/MAHABALIPURAM
	kalaakruti.com - Murals, Fibre / Metal / Syporax Carvings by Nitin Potnis, an established sculptor www.kalaakruti.com