Tamil Nadu's GI-tagged treasures are part of the state's rich cultural fabric. As you must have read about some of the products of the state in part 1, this feature is a continuation where we explore more of these treasures, ranging from food to handicrafts. From the delicious Madurai Srivilliputtur Palkova to the intricate craftsmanship of the Thanjavur paintings, these products represent more than just goods; they embody the heritage and artistry of the region. The GI tags help preserve these traditions, providing economic support to local artisans and ensuring the continued appreciation of Tamil Nadu's unique cultural identity.

　　Madurai Srivilliputhur Palkova - Food

　　Madurai Srivilliputhur palkova is a traditional milk dessert that comes from the town of Srivilliputhur in Tamil Nadu. This simple sweet is made with just two ingredients: milk and sugar. Although incorporating only two ingredients, preparing palkova is a time-consuming process. The GI tag was granted to Madurai Srivilliputtur palkova due to its unique preparation method.

　　The full cream milk is usually boiled in a heavy-bottomed saucepan for a long period of time until it releases its fat and thickens into a creamy consistency. What sets the Srivilliputhur palkova apart is its rich, smooth texture and deep, caramelized flavour, which is developed through slow cooking. The method of preparation, combined with the quality of the milk from the local cows, gives the sweet its distinct taste and aroma, making it a beloved treat.

　　Narasinghapettai Nagaswaram - Music Instrument

　　The Narasinghapettai Nagaswaram is a highly regarded traditional wind instrument in Tamil Nadu that is sought for its cultural significance and importance in classical Tamil music and also for temple rituals and festivals. Tamil Nadu is a culturally thriving state, whether it is music or craft. In the town of Narasinghapettai in the Thanjavur district, local artisans combine music and craft to create these beautiful handcrafted wind instruments. This high-quality, handcrafted wind instrument is made with meticulous attention to detail. The body is primarily constructed from Aacha wood (Hardwickia binate), sourced from the Cauvery River valleys. This wood is naturally water-resistant, preventing moisture absorption while being played. The lower, flared portion of the instrument, previously made from rosewood, is now crafted from the wood of the Lebbeck tree (Albizia lebbeck). The wood chosen is typically around 200 years old, ensuring it remains resistant to moisture and offers a rich sound. The top portion of the instrument has a metal staple where a small metallic cylinder holds the mouthpiece made from reeds, which are crafted from the leaves of the Naanal plant (a variety of bamboo). The instrument’s cylindrical body flares into a bell shape at the bottom, contributing to its distinctive volume and tone. It features seven finger holes and five additional controller holes at the bottom. The lower section, or Arasu, is made from Vaagai wood (Rain Tree), amplifying the sound.

　　The Nagaswaram measures about 87 cm in length and is tuned by adjusting the air pressure and strength in the pipe. A small ivory or horn needle is attached to clean the mouthpiece. The metallic bell (Kcezh anaichu) at the bottom adds to its decorative appearance. The craftsmanship of the Nagaswaram is passed down through generations in Narasinghapettai, where skilled artisans create each instrument by hand. Due to its intense volume and strength, the Narasinghapettai Nagaswaram is best suited for outdoor performances. The GI tag for the Madurai Narasinghapettai Nagaswaram acknowledges the quality and distinctive characteristics of this instrument. The tag helps preserve the traditional craftsmanship and supports the artisans who continue to make these instruments using centuries-old techniques.

　　Temple Jewellery of Nagercoil - Handicraft

　　Tamil Nadu's temple jewellery is a coveted adornment, especially for brides. The heavy detailing and elegantly beautiful designs make them unique pieces to wear. The temple jewellery of Nagercoil is another one of Tamil Nadu's GI-tagged treasures. It is a traditional form of jewellery that originates from the town of Nagercoil in the state and is characterized by its intricate designs.

　　Traditionally made to adorn idols in temples, the jewellery, comprising headgear, coronets, and special ornaments, from Nagercoil is widely used today for weddings, classical dance performances and other cultural events. Bharatnatyam dancers also wear similar jewellery during their performances. These pieces are often quite heavy in appearance, featuring stones embedded all around and set in gold foil. The jewellery is commonly crafted with red, blue, green, and white stones. Popular designs include motifs such as the makara, naga, yali, swan, parrot, and mango. The temple jewellery of Nagercoil, with its meticulous craftsmanship, maintains the age-old traditions of the craft and has found a wider appeal beyond Tamil Nadu.

　　Thanjavur Painting - Handicraft

　　Ask any art connoisseur, and they will know about the famous Thanjavur paintings. One of the most famous forms of traditional South Indian art, these GI-tagged gems come from the town of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. Thanjavur paintings are known for their deep colours, surface richness, compact composition, and surface ornamentation with real gold foil. The themes of Thanjavur paintings predominantly revolve around Hindu deities, mythological stories, and royal portraits. The artwork is created by layering natural pigments onto canvas or wooden panels, followed by the application of gold foil, which adds to the painting's brilliance.

　　The detailed process of creating a Thanjavur painting involves multiple stages, including drawing, painting, and gilding, making it a highly specialized craft. Today, these paintings are widely regarded as an important cultural treasure and a symbol of Tamil Nadu's artistic heritage.

　　Nachiarkoil Kuthuvilakku - Handicraft

　　The craft of making these traditional oil lamps dates back to 1857, when it originated in Nachiarkoil, near Thanjavur. This lamp is typically made of brass and is intricately designed with divine and mythological motifs. The traditional process of making these lamps involves casting the lamp using the lost-wax technique, which is a centuries-old method. The Nachiarkoil lamp is most commonly used in temples and religious ceremonies, but it is also a significant decorative piece in homes during festivals.

　　The Nachiarkoil Kuthuvilakku, a traditional lamp, consists of four main parts: the base (Keezhbagam), the stem (Kandam), the oil container (Thanguli), and the apex, also known as the Prabhai. The Thanguli features V-shaped spouts to hold the wicks, and all four parts are joined together using screw threads. The central pillar often terminates in a bird, typically a Hamsa or Swan, symbolising grace and divinity. Some Kuthuvilakkus are designed to be suspended from the ceiling by chains, which are often elaborately decorated and crafted with excellent workmanship. In addition to the standard design, there are Kuthuvilakkus shaped like branching trees, with each branch ending in a small tray or bowl to hold the oil and wick. Some Kuthuvilakkus are also crafted in the form of a standing woman holding a shallow bowl for the oil and wick.

　　In the past, the Pathers of Nachiarkoil used crucibles made from locally sourced clay from Veppakulam, to melt metal. These crucibles were typically of inferior quality and could only be used for a single casting. The Pathers, originally from Nagercoil, employed the delicate and costly wax moulding process for manufacturing articles. However, due to the difficulty and expense of this method, many artisans shifted to box moulding, which allowed for faster and more efficient production of items.