Athangudi Tiles - The revival of Tradition

2012-05-21T09:53:00.001-07:00

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The Athangudi Tiles:

The Athangudi tiles were named after a small village near Madurai in which the tiles are manufactured. These popular handmade Athangudi tiles are first used in Chettiar houses of Chettinad in Karaikudi town of Tamilnadu. These tiles adds traditional and ethnic feel to the interiors of a house. Athangudi tiles stands out for its class, bringing forth the rich cultural heritage of the Chettinad community. The Athangudi tiles looks beautiful as it gives a traditional grace and charm to your house. These tiles are being made from native river sand available in that area, cement, locally available clay that is first burnt and colouring agents like red oxide etc were mixed. The design patterns are created by well experienced artisans. You know that this is something you would to use it, simply because the colours, the designs and the mirror look it gives when laid.

The artisans say the look and quality of these tiles is due to the sand native to that area, which is of just the right composition. Even before introduction of making of floor tiles such as ceramic, vitrified, marble and granites, these flower tiles of Athangudi were a match to its own class. In early days of Chettinad the tiles imported from Italy made their way into affluent homes, but when the tiles aged with wear and tear, fixing them again was pain taking. Then the people of the area got into learning the art of tile-making and having a trademark of their own in Athangudi.

However, it can’t withstand wear and tear. After a period of time it has to be changed, these tiles are not much in demand. The situation has led to the decline in the market. Athangudi tiles need revival. It needs support and encouragement.

Many of you like traditional houses and thought of laying it in your home but some of you don’t like tiles with more colours. Here comes answer, now it is possible to order custom designed tiles with plain single colour or mixed colour.

How it’s laid?

The laying process is different from the regular tile laying process. Experienced Masons from Karaikudi should be employed as they were more skilled than others.

After laying, curing will require for 2-3 days. after that polishing is done

Rice husk is used for polishing, which is also sourced from Karaikudi.

The polished tile reflects light like a mirror.

How it’s maintained?

They can be cleaned with a daily mop with few drops of coconut oil is said to keep the sheen for years.

As you walk, it gets more polish and gives great sheen.

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Athangudi Tiles - The revival of Tradition