Tamilnadu has a rich history of culture and tradition that has evolved over centuries. Perhaps the most profused flowering of the Tamil culture is in the handicrafts of Tamilnadu. Flights of fancy are tempered by tradition. Imagination and creativity find expression in the skill of loving, caring, disciplined hands. The crafts of Tamilnadu speak with subtle beauty. They add grace and beauty to lifestyles the world over.

Through the ages the best talent in stone craftsmenship went into stone carving of images and structures made for the temples by hereditary sthapatis belonging to the Vishwakarma community. the stone icons are carved by the sthapatis according to the precise measurements, proportions and rules of shilpasastras.. One can see the best of Tamil nadu's stonecraft skills at mahabalipuram, the superb chiselling, detailing and even humour in Arjuna's penance with Arjuna standing in the traditional penance pose on one leg, arms upraised surrounded a cat standing in the same pose as Arjuna; by a stag scratching its nose, etc! the traditional icon making of Tamil nadu has been given a new lease of life at the Mahabalipuram School of Traditional Architecture. Today Mahabalipuram is full of units creating granite and soapstone sculptures both religious and secular, garden lights, nameplates, etc.