Once a part of the kingdom of the Pandyas of Madurai, Chettinadu or the land of Chettiars comprised of 96 villages founded by the Nattukottai Chettiars or Nagarthar meaning townsfolk. This aristocratic community were seafarers, bankers and businessmen. This wealthy stretch of land in Sivaganga district is famous for its architecture, art, utensils, tiles, weaving and... Continue Reading →
Kanyakumari Cloves
Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of clove in the country with Kanyakumari district contributing a sizeable portion to the total production. Clove was introduced in India around the 1800s by the East India Company in its spice garden in Courtallam. The dense wooded areas of Maramalai, Karumparai and Vellimalai in the Western Ghats of... Continue Reading →
Fossil-rich grounds of Ariyalur in Tamil Nadu
The Ariyalur district located on the busy highway between Chennai and Trichy unknown to many is a geologist's treasure trove. In 1843, 'strange stone objects' were collected by the British in the Ariyalur region. Soon, geologists from all over the world descended upon this small town to discover much to their amazement a rich fossil... Continue Reading →
Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai
In the 1940s, Ponnambala Nadar, a resourceful grocery store owner decided to use sugarcane jaggery (gur) and peanuts to make the kadalai mittai shifting from the traditional preparation of Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai using palm jaggery and groundnuts locally available in nearby districts. Locals say that for decades Kovilpatti kadalai mittai was prepared during village festivals... Continue Reading →
Srivilliputtur Palkova
Srivilliputtur is not only famous for Sri Aandal temple but also for the legendary 'palkova' - a sweet made from cow's milk and sugar. Locals say that it has been traditionally manufactured and sold since 1940 and is the main cottage industry of the Srivilliputtur area. The history of this delicious palkova can be... Continue Reading →
Kodaikanal Malai Poondu
The picturesque Kodaikanal Hills in Dindigul district is famous for its lush greenery, ancient temples of Lord Murugan and of course, the exotic Kodaikanal Malai Poondu (Kodaikanal Hill Garlic). Also known as Melmalai Poondu, this centuries-old indigenous crop is known for its medicinal and preservative properties. The heady aroma and unique taste are attributed... Continue Reading →
Endarō mahānubhāvulu – Decoding Saint Tyāgarāja’s Pancharatna kritis
"Endarō mahānubhāvulu - Salutations to all the Mahātmas in this world" is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and revered musical compositions. The lyrical masterpiece when sung and heard with utmost faith and devotion is enthralling and brings tears of joy in one's eyes. The glorious splendour of Sri Rama described in admiration and... Continue Reading →
