The story
Mamallapuram's rock-cut temples and reliefs were carved under the Pallava kings in the seventh and eighth centuries. Stone carvers settled in the town keep the tradition alive, carving granite and other hard stones for temples in India and abroad, as well as garden and décor pieces. A government college of architecture and sculpture in the town trains young sthapathis. The craft received a GI tag through Poompuhar.
In numbers
Mahabalipuram Stone Sculpture is a registered GI (application 426, certificate 302).
GI Registry — Mahabalipuram Stone Sculpture, application 426
GI tag
- Mahabalipuram Stone SculptureApplication no. GI Application No. 426 (Certificate No. 302)GI Registry, Intellectual Property India — application 426
Ways in for a newcomer
- Temple and garden sculpture commissions, including overseas temples
- Stone décor for hotels and landscaping firms
- Export packing and shipping services for sculptors
- Sculpture workshops for tourists
Problems the cluster faces
- Machine-cut sculptures from other states
- Stone supply and quarry rules
- Dust-related health risks
- Heavy freight for exports
Businesses to start here
Gaura Stone Handicraft →Granite Tile Cutting and Polishing Unit →