Athangudi tiles of Chettinad
Karaikudi is a nice getaway from the bustling temple city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. A few hours’ drive on excellent roads brings you to Chettinad in the Sivaganga district. It is the land of the Chettiyars of yore, one of the prominent trading communities of the state. Palatial bungalows, made with imported teak and full of artefacts, busy weaving looms producing reams of material and stunning antiques are the first things that you encounter as you drive around. You will see a curious mix of the signs of the affluence of its old glory and its fall from grace as most original residents have moved away to bigger places and left their legacy heritage with caretakers. Of which a few have been converted into hotels and tourist homes, like The Bangala. 
Chettinad is also known for its distinctive Attangudi tiles, which have been around for more than a hundred years. Local artisans have been making them from generations as a source of livelihood. Named after the village of Attangudi, the tiles are handmade floor tiles that reflect the rich heritage of Chettinad’s affluent trading history. European influences show in their classic colours and designs. The combinations reveal the Victorian styles of the United Kingdom. Italy and Germany along with native sensibilities. To quote from the ‘Aura of Attangudi Tiles’, “Originally tiles from Germany, England and Italy made their way into affluent homes, but when the tiles aged with wear and tear, fixing them again was cumbersome. That was when the enterprising people of the area learnt the art of tile-making and having a trademark of their own in Athangudi.”
The tiles are ecofriendly and sustainable as they are made from locally available materials like river sand, naturally found oxides and cement. The local artisans produce an eclectic range of designs that marry local influences with the imported ones. So you could find “Kolum” (rangoli) designs, free styles along with exotic flowers blooming on them. Since they are all handmade, they are artisanal in the true sense of the word. Small variations are part of their distinctive features. If they have a downside, they are heavy to transport and not advised for use in wet areas. But their distinctive beauty makes them an attractive addition to any home!
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