Tiled tales
The Hindu
Discover the history and beauty of Athangudi Palace and its unique European-inspired tiles in Tamil Nadu.
“Look at these pretty tiles!” Taran — who usually never observed the ground beneath his feet — had stopped in his tracks. They were visiting Athangudi Palace, in the Chettinadu region of Tamil Nadu.
“I don’t know where I should look. it’s a sensory overload!” said Appa.
“What was the name of the king and queen who lived here?” Asked Taran.
“They were the Chettiars, who were traders,” said Appa. “They had amassed enough wealth through trading precious stones across Southeast Asia and wanted the best of design and architecture: tiles from Europe, chandeliers from Belgium, teakwood from Burma and so on.
“Are these tiles from Europe?” Taran was still starstruck by the unique pattern in yellows, reds and blues.
The guide and caretaker stepped in. “Initially they were imported, but it was difficult to repair and replace if the tiles cracked. It was discovered that Athangudi has a unique sand, which allows replication of the European tiles. Today, Athangudi tiles are world famous.”
After spending some more time at the palace, they learnt that there are about 10,000 Chettinad mansions across 90 villages; many of which had been abandoned. “In 1939, when World War Two began, overseas trade was hit badly and the merchants could not maintain their palatial houses. Some ran from one street to another with over 50 rooms.”