Art Forms of Puducherry, Pondicherry

Where to see crafts

Art and Craft Village, Murungapakkam

Distance from railway station

About 5 km

Distance from Chennai airport

About 150 km

Crafts to look for

Much of this work carries religious or village themes, so the objects also tell you something about local belief and daily life.

• Terracotta: figures, lamps, planters and temple-style horses, fired from local clay.
• Wood carving: small idols, panels and household objects in carved and polished wood.
• Clay and pottery: wheel-thrown pots and decorative pieces, often made while you watch.
• Mixed-media and contemporary pieces that borrow from both Tamil and French design.

The Art and Craft Village

On the southern outskirts of town near Murungapakkam, the craft village gathers artisans who have lived and worked in the area for many years. Its purpose is to revive and sustain skills that have been passed down over centuries and risk being lost. It also acts as a meeting point where craftspeople can teach, learn from master artisans and reach buyers from India and overseas.

Learning by doing

Short audio-visual shows introduce the history of Indian crafts and the families behind them. The real draw, though, is the live demonstration: you may be invited to shape clay on the wheel or try another simple task under an artisan's guidance. It is a good outing for children and for anyone who likes to understand how things are made.

Buying crafts

Finished pieces are sold on site, so your money goes straight to the makers. Fragile terracotta travels better if it is wrapped well; ask the staff to pack it. The fine finishing on many items makes them good gifts to take home.

How to reach

Murungapakkam is about 5 km from Puducherry railway station. From Chennai International Airport, the drive down the East Coast Road is roughly 150 km. Roads connect Puducherry with all the nearby cities in Tamil Nadu, and we can include the craft village in a Puducherry sightseeing day from Virudhachalam or Chennai.

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