Athangudi tiles are handmade and named after Athangudi, the village where they originated and located in the Chettinad area of Tamil Nadu. They are also known as ‘Chettinad tiles’ or ‘Karaikudi tiles’ portraying the legacy of Chettinad. Thousands of families were once involved in the making of these tiles, with the traditional craft passed over generations.
Well-known eco-friendly architect Benny Kuriakose who follows no-waste construction says, “Have you seen Chettinad’s brick and mortar treasures? The walls and floor belie their age and even corners look as if they were polished recently. I have delved into Chettinad interiors that bring in signature Athangudi floor tiles, making their mansions captivating. Athangudi’s vibrant floral and geometric patterns have graduated from being signatures of a Karaikudi mansion to being the ornamental pride of popular hotels in India and abroad.”
