Stone Carving

• Tamil granite carvers operate primarily around the two Tamil Nadu towns of Mamallapuram and Chingleput. In these places, the tradition of elaborate stone carving remains a vibrant part of local culture and industry. Many visitors to Mamallapuram who come to see its famous Shore Temple find themselves entranced by the family carvers working on intricate carvings of all sizes, from small holdable pieces to massive statues. These works are primarily devotional in nature and depict a variety of Hindu gods and goddesses.
  
  

Tanjore Paintings

• The massive Chola empire at one time used the city of Tanjore, also known as Thanjavur, as its headquarters, and this cultural legacy remains apparent in Tanjore today, especially with the famous Tanjore paintings. These elaborate works incorporate paint, jewels, lace, gold leaf and other decorative objects that are traditionally arranged on a wood base, although ivory, mica and even glass are sometimes used. These paintings traditionally depict gods and goddesses, but animals, flowers and other images are sometimes created as well.
  
  

Kolam

• Any visitor to Tamil Nadu will quickly understand the importance of Kolam drawings for its people. Kolam drawings are elaborate geometric line drawings that appear to be made with chalk. However, people actually create Kolam with a coarsely ground rice powder or rice paste. Traditionally, Tamil Kolam consist only of white lines and dots; however, some people have begun to use color. Kolam drawing has long been seen as a particularly female mode of expression, and women all across the state regularly practice Kolam drawing every morning. No matter where you go in Tamil Nadu, a beautiful and elaborate Kolam drawing never seems to be far from view.
  
  

Cloth

• Tamil Nadu has given the world Madras cloth as well as dungarees, named for a heavy cotton weave created in Kanchipuram called "dunagari." It comes as no surprise, then, that Tamil Nadu also has a vibrant weaving tradition. Madurai produces highly valued dhotis, a traditional man's garment, and Chettinad creates specialized saris that allow women to show their ankles. Kanchipuram is especially famous for its heavy silk saris.