The Chettiar community of
Tamil Nadu, comprising of wealthy merchants, were patrons of woodcarvings in the late 19th and 20 the century. Their traditional houses exhibit the finest in Tamil Nadu woodcarving.
A Chettiar home is marked by its massive doorways, which often reach up to 5 m in height. The door at the entrance feature panels above them containing the carving of deities, usually Goddess Gajalakshmi. Another popular image is the ‘Ramapattaabhishekam’ (coronation of Lord Ram). The side panels contain images of soldiers mounted on horses. This door has rows of carvings of deer, lotus, horses and floral patterns. The deep faith in religion among this community can be seen in doors in the interiors of the house, which contain a panel depicting Hindu deities. These doors are low in height, about one and half meter. One has to bend to enter through these doors. It is a belief among the Chettiar community that by bending, while entering the doors, will induce humbleness in a person. The deities carved above the doors are believed to bring a sense of reverence in the occupants.
