The Art and Culture of Chennai

Posted on December 8, 2008 - Filed Under Travel

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, was founded by the British in the 17th century to be an economic center and naval base. Today, the fourth largest metropolitan area in India is known for its culture, industry, and commerce, mixing the traditional with the modern and making it an amazing travel destination. As the capital of Tamil Nadu, it offers a plethora of Tamil art and culture, including literature, music, dance, scuplture, and film.

Also known as Kollywood, Chennai is host to the second largest film industry in India. Art galleries and cultural centers in the city feature both Tamil and Indian traditional art forms. The National Art Gallery, established in 1907, features 10th and 13th century bronzes, 11th and 12th century Indian handicrafts, 16th to 18th century mughal and Rajasthan paintings, and 17th century Deccan paintings. It is part of the larger Government Museum. Artists can be visited in their own studios in Cholamandal Artists’ Village which includes a permanent gallery. The Chennai Craft Foundation also runs Dakshinachitra, which is a recreation of the South India way of life that includes workshops on arts and crafts and exhibitions of performing artists from South India.

The annual Madras Music Season is known as the world’s largest cultural event. It includes performances by hundreds of artists over five weeks every December – January. It began as a month-long celebration of Carnatic music, but has expanded over the years to include dance, drama, and some non-Carnatic art forms.

Besides the wonderful art and culture, Chennai offers modern attractions for the twenty-first century tourist. Visitors can stay at Five Star Hotels Chennai, frequent modern shopping malls that feature designer boutiques, at at world class restaurants featuring traditional and contemporary Indian cuisine, or just relax at the wonderful beach resorts that populate the coastline.

Comments

Leave a Reply

LostHawk