South Indian trditional bronze hot favourite exports

Panaji, Nov 15 (UNI) Traditional south Indian idols made of 'Ashtadhatu' metal chiselled under the guidance of expert customary 'Sthapathis', exquisite Tanjore paintings, and imposing brass oil lamps, have been the most hot favourite items of export to the developed countries.

''We have exported bronze worth Rs 30 lakhs last year to USA, UK and Germany as they are the people's hot favourite,'' R Karunakaran, Manager in charge of Bangalore unit of the Tamilnadu Handicrafts Development Corporation claimed.

Popularly known as Poompuhar, the Corporation outlets had sold Rs 2 crore worth different handicraft products last year in the region and it was upbeat every year, he said.

Mr Karunakaran was interacting with media persons here today in connection with the opening of a 14-day Poompuhar exhibition-cum-sale, ''Crafts Mela'' in this Goan capital city.

Poompuhar was a fabled Chola seaport from which crafts and culture of Tamil Kingdom spread across the world. That ancient commercial centre used to export craft items abroad.

The bronze idols made of 'Panchadhatus' (five elements) by craftsmen under the strict supervision of traditional 'Stapathis' constitute 20 per cent of our sales even in Goa, he said.

Apart from these idols, the items on demand included Tanjore paintaings, brass lamps, jewellery, incense and perfumery, Pochampalli sarees and dress materials, Rajasthani textles, Velamburi changu and rudrakshas were on display at the mela.

This year, the mela expects to net a sales turnover of Rs 25 lakh in Goa as against Rs 20 lakh last year.

UNI