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South India- the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka have a rich tradition of art, crafts, and culture even before the arrival of writing. Since the Stone Age, the people of this region have expressed themselves through artistic mediums, mostly ritual, sometimes non-religious. From the centuries-old beliefs and skills of the people of these states, art forms have emerged which are often collectively known as “South Indian art”; however, each represents a unique aspect of the culture of each state and its localities.
This vast collection of South Indian sculpture brings the world’s greatest artistic tradition to you. We offer sculpture in a variety of materials, each with its own distinct legacy in South India. That legacy gives even deeper meaning to the pieces available at Exotic India.
Much of South Indian sculpture is made using a lost-wax process. Here, artisans create a model using wax.
🔶This can be easily molded by heating metal tools that sculpt the shape, like a hot knife through butter. Because the wax is so malleable, the level of intricacy in the details is unsurpassed.
🔶Pieces of this wax sculpture are then placed in a bed of clay, where a plaster mold can be painted on the exposed side.
🔶Slowly, an artisan builds up the mold. Once completed, the mold is given a layer of wax.
🔶This recreates the original statue but with a hollow core, which is then filled with sand and plaster, and plaster is added to the exterior.
🔶That final mold is then filled with bronze.
🔶Once cooled down, the mold is broken by the artist with care.
🔶The statue that comes out of the mold is still unfinished and undergoes stages of polishing, filing, and sculpting with finer tools several times before it takes the brilliant form that you see in your collection.
Experts believe the long-held dominance of wood in South Indian sculpture gave rise to many of the preferred forms, like strong vertical orientation. It also explains, in part, how much of the material culture of South India has not survived as well as regions to the north. That deeply embedded tradition of wood sculpture makes our selection even that much more authentic to the region.
There are some statues that have gained special renown in the world for the skills of the artists and the beauty of the artwork.
🔶Originating from the Thammampatti region in Tamil Nadu, these statues are crafted from softwood like vaagai (Albizia lebbeck) from the Siris tree, which is a sacred tree in Indian tradition.
🔶The material is ideal for intricate carving.
🔶Artisans sketch the image directly onto the wood before beginning the slow process of chiseling. What makes Thammampatti wooden statues special is their elaborate crown designs, graceful postures, and temple-inspired detailing.
🔶These statues often depict deities like Krishna, Lakshmi, Durga, Shiva, Ganesha, and Vishnu in dynamic poses and stories from Indian Puranas, epics, and regional legends of Bhakti tradition.
🔶Sandalwood, known for its fine grain and rich fragrance, is considered sacred in Indian culture; its paste is offered to the deity during rituals.
🔶It is one of the most prized woods used in sculpting South Indian icons.
🔶Due to its softness and smooth texture, artisans can create extremely fine details, ideal for miniature idols and home altars.
🔶The aroma of sandalwood also adds to the spiritual ambiance of the statue, even decades after it has been carved.
🔶Mysore and Shimoga are the main centres of sandalwood carving in South India.
Our stone statues also represent a key point in the development of South Indian sculpture. The impressive achievements in this material again point to the supreme elegance and sophistication of South Indian sculptures, which is best seen in the grand architecture of Mahabalipuram and Hoysala temples of Belur and the architecture of Hampi, to name a few examples.
🔶Granite is among the hardest stones used in sculpture, which makes South Indian granite statues especially remarkable.
🔶The density of granite allows for statues that are durable, weather-resistant, and ideal for both indoor sanctums and temple courtyards.
🔶Deities carved in granite exude permanence and power.
🔶Mahabalipuram, a coastal town in Tamil Nadu, is famed for its rock-cut temples and bas-relief sculptures dating back to the Pallava dynasty.
🔶The stone from this region, usually soft granite or soapstone, has a distinctive texture that allows artists to create both high and low relief work.
🔶Sculptures from Mahabalipuram follow the style of the classical Dravidian style, elaborate headgear, fluid garments, and dynamic expressions.
Explore our categories within the collection of statues and journey through the cultural lanes of South India:
Apsaras or the celestial nymphs from Hindu and Buddhist stories, are often depicted in temple carvings across South India, most beautifully in Hoysala and Chola architecture. Their forms celebrate beauty, grace, and divine dance. These Apsara statues capture sensuality that is divine and revered in temple aesthetics.
The form of Ardhanarishvara, half Shiva, half Parvati, originated in the Shaivite traditions of South India, embodying the divine unity of masculine and feminine energies. Temples in Tamil Nadu, such as Tiruchengode, are dedicated to this androgynous deity, reflecting the region's deep metaphysical philosophies and Tantric undertones, which are celebrated in this category through metal, stone, and wood idols of Ardhanarishwara.
South Indian bronze sculpture reached its zenith during the Chola dynasty, especially in Tamil Nadu. These masterpieces were not just art but sacred embodiments used in rituals and processions. The lost-wax casting technique, still practiced in places like Swamimalai, is a testament to living heritage and devotion sculpted in metal.
Used mainly in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, cedarwood or Kedar is valued for its fragrance, smooth grain, and resistance to pests, but also because it is a sacred wood, favourite of Krishna. It is often carved into ritual objects or deity figures for home shrines. The scent and texture of cedarwood represent sanctity, and its warm tones create a personal, warm appeal which is perfect for home puja ghar or sacred decor of a space.
The worship of Ganesha is integrated in the sacred tradition and the religious fabric of South India, especially in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Every home and temple begins rituals with its invocation. His iconography, particularly in dancing or seated forms, reflects regional interpretations that blend Vedic tradition with folk elements.
Goddess worship (Shaktism) is at the heart of South Indian spiritual practice, with powerful forms like Meenakshi in Madurai, Kamakshi in Kanchipuram, and Durga in Mysore. These statues are filled with fierce compassion and maternal protection, resonating with the region’s temple-centric devotion to the feminine divine.
In South India, Hanuman is venerated as the ideal devotee and protector, especially in Karnataka and Andhra traditions. His statues often depict him in a posture of standing with his hand in Namaskara, as a warrior and in rare forms such as Hanuman as Adyanatha Prabhu and Hanuman as Sangeet Acharya playing a Veena, reflective of the region's deep-rooted Ramayana devotion expressed through temple worship, folk plays, and festivals like Hanuman Jayanti.
Also known as Murugan, Karthikeya holds a place of supreme reverence in Tamil Nadu. He is the warrior son of Shiva and Parvati, celebrated in ancient Tamil Sangam poetry and worshipped widely in temples like Palani. His statues reflect youth, valor, and spiritual victory, a regional symbol of Tamil identity and pride.
Krishna is worshipped and loved across South India in his various forms- from the mischievous child to the divine lover and cosmic guide. Temples like Guruvayur in Kerala and Udupi in Karnataka center around his bhakti traditions. South Indian Krishna statues often emphasize expressive eyes and graceful posture, echoing regional devotional poetry and dance.
Shiva is the cosmic force that both creates and dissolves, and he is profoundly revered in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu. Chidambaram, Thanjavur, and Kanchipuram house some of the most iconic Shiva temples. The Nataraja form, Shiva as the cosmic dancer, originated here, and bronze statues continue this tradition of sacred performance in form.
Vishnu worship is prominent in South India through Vaishnavite traditions. Temples like Srirangam and Tirupati embody his glory in architectural and spiritual magnitude. Vishnu statues often reflect his gentle yet regal form, holding the chakra and conch, with South Indian stylistic touches like intricate jewelry and divine expressions.
The deepam or traditional oil lamp is integral to South Indian ritual, symbolizing light as a spiritual force. From the majestic kuthu vilakku of Tamil Nadu to hanging brass lamps of Kerala, they mark auspicious beginnings and sanctify temple and home spaces. Their design often includes local motifs like peacocks or lotuses.
While there may be no current listings, South India has a tradition of using intricately carved wooden and metal boxes for storing kumkum, incense, and sacred relics. Often shaped like temples or lotus flowers, these containers reflect the craftsmanship of regions like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and hold ritual significance in daily puja.
Selecting a South Indian statue is a thoughtful process rooted in purpose, material, and spiritual significance. Here are some guiding points to help you make the right choice:
🔶Purpose: Determine if the statue is for worship, decor, or collection.
🔶Material: Choose based on placement (wood for indoors, stone for outdoors, bronze for traditional puja rooms).
🔶Symbolism: Understand the attributes of the deity or icon before choosing.
🔶Size: Consider the size in relation to your space and the sanctity of the setting.
Caring for these exquisite statues ensures their longevity and preserves their beauty. Each material requires a distinct approach:
🔶Bronze: Wipe with a soft cloth. Avoid water; use tamarind paste or lemon juice occasionally to restore shine.
🔶Wood: Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture. Dust regularly and apply natural polish every few years.
🔶Stone: Clean with a damp cloth. Avoid acidic cleaners. For outdoor placement, ensure occasional sealing.
🔶Sandalwood: Handle with clean, dry hands. Store in a cool, dry space to preserve its aroma.
Displaying your statue with care enhances its visual and spiritual impact. Whether in a home, office, or gallery, consider these tips for an elegant presentation:
🔶Place the statue on a raised pedestal or in a niche where it is away from clutter and the rest of the space, to mark its sanctity, if it is a statue of gods and goddesses or a revered being.
🔶Ensure the backdrop complements the deity’s color and form.
🔶Use soft lighting to enhance contours and spiritual presence.
🔶In home altars, follow traditional orientation, like facing east or west.
Yes, every piece is handcrafted by traditional artisans using time-honored techniques.
Preferably not, as prolonged exposure to the elements may cause corrosion. Stone statues are better suited for outdoor use. If you want to display a bronze outdoors, clean it regularly and keep it away from moisture, direct sunlight, and dirt.
Dust with a microfiber cloth and avoid wet cleaning. Use neem oil or wood polish occasionally.
These idols are considered especially sacred as they are cast in fire, symbolizing purification and divine embodiment.
Yes, each statue is accompanied by details about its origin, material, and artisan lineage, ensuring authenticity.
Custom commissions are available for select artisans and subjects. Please contact our team for more information.
Since brass is mainly composed of copper and zinc, the copper content, when in contact with air, undergoes a reaction that causes it to turn green. This green layer on the surface of brass idols and statues is called Patina. To clean it, you can take the mixture of lemon juice and salt and rub the surface using a clean cloth. You can also opt for various brass cleansing mixtures available in the market.
But we give it a try. The selection of art in this collection is from artists who were trained in the traditional techniques and styles for generations, who have devoted their lives to the art, like a devotee does to their god. Their hard work and heart are what make these statues glow with a divine light.
Explore our collection and experience the sacred beauty of South Indian statues.
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