South India is a place endowed with rich tradition and culture which is manifested in the handicrafts of South India. Crafts work holds an important place in South India. South India Handicrafts, which has been an inseparable part of the people of South India, has been passed down by the experienced craftsman to the young generation for many years now.
Some of the states of South India which are famous for its crafts work are Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Pondicherry.
Karnataka is famous for traditional craft works like embroidered and decorated garments, ivory snake boats, jewelry, paintings like mat paintings and Mysore paintings, wood work, Kathakali dolls and masks, sandalwood articles, lamps etc. Mysore silk and therefore the silk products produced by the state of Karnataka are very popular all across the world.
Tamil Nadu handicrafts in the early times were highly influenced by the beautiful and rich temples that the state houses. The Tanjore paintings are the most important and popular crafts work of Tamil Nadu. Making musical instruments is also a major craft of the state. Some of the wonderful instruments produced by the craftsmen of the state are wooden Yaazh, veenas, thamburas, flute etc. Metal ware, jewelty, pottery, wood craft, stone carving etc are some of the interesting handicrafts of Tamil Nadu. Silk sarees, statues, fabrics, clothes are some of the excellent products of Tamil Nadu crafts work.
Kerala bears the art of making articles with ivory, palm leaves, bamboo, seashells, clay, coconut shells, metals, stone, wood etc. The crafts work of Kerala includes flower vases, ornamental plates, ash trays, jewel boxes, boats, idols, elephants, masks, embroidery works and many more fascinating items.
Pondicherry is known for its perfumed candles, handmade paper, incense sticks, pottery, pickles, leather items, jams, Khadi garments, fabrics, aromatherapy products etc.