Mahabalipuram Stone Sculpture as the name suggests are carved in stone with finely chiselled intricate designs which are characteristic of Pallava art and architecture. Popular stone sculptures made today in Mahabalipuram are idols from mythologies or deities depicting divinity.
The sculptors of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu recreate these products as statues presently in the form of:
- Gods and Goddesses
- Characters and scenes from Tamil literature
- Animals
A typical stone sculpture of Mahabalipuram is done is six stages. The primary raw materials used in this art form are granite and sandstone. The source of the black, white and green granite, as well as the sandstone, lies in the Mahabalipuram region and neighbouring areas such as Pattimalai. The sculptors are known to use sandstone on rare occasions as well.
The sculptors of Mahabalipuram make the traditional sculpture reminiscent of the Pallava period relying on the Athama, Shilpa Shastras and Vastu shastras. Each and every step of carving and sculpting is guided by the Shilpa Sastra. The sculptors only use the poses which are only prescribed in the Shilpa Shastras and they have the characteristics of:
- Sathva Guna (Serene characteristic)
- Thamasa Guna (Introspective characteristic)
- Rajasha Guna (Warrior-like/ Royal characteristic)
The sculptors of Mahabalipuram still use the hammer and chisel technique to carve into the hard stone of granite. These tools are very time consuming but the art is such that the exquisite carving and delicate features of the idol will not surface unless the hammer and chisel are used.
The sculptures carry the stamp of an oval face for a female and a long face for a male. The faces possess the typical protruding forehead, sharp nose, hanging ears, long eyes and enigmatic smile. Both the male and female are very slender and curvaceous in appearance. The ornamentation includes weaponry in hand, ornaments on the chest, the elaborately designed drape like clothing.
The sculptures exude the classic beauty with calm features and possess the air of an old-fashioned appearance. The idols carry the aura of religion and all these depictions have the subject in the centre, with exquisite carving even at the slab of stone which is the base of the sculpture.
GI Tag Registration Date : 14 November 2017
GI Tag Number : 426
Certificate Number : 302
Geographical Area : Tamil Nadu
Special Cover Release Date : 15 August 2021
Cancellation : Mamallapuram 603 104
Type : GI Tag Cover
Cover Identification Number : TN/07/2021
The cover has an embossed image of stone sculpture varnished with stone dust. 2000 Nos of covers are issued and each cover is numbered.
Enlarged View of Cancellation
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