I have always said this – “If you want to understand the local culture of a place, you must visit the local markets”. I absolutely insist on this for Karaikudi and the Chettinad region. In fact, let me rephrase this – “If you want to find the treasures that were a part of the opulent Chettinad Mansions, you must visit the Antique market in Karaikudi.” The best part of this journey, you don’t just get to see but actually buy them for your own abode!
In the heart of Karaikudi town, hidden in a single lane, is the unique antique market of Chettinad. This is where you can find a plethora of treasures – from tiny European curios and lamps to elaborate Indian brass and bronze statues and the exquisite Burma teak-wood doors of the Chettinad mansions. The place is a great stop for anyone looking for the Karaikudi old furniture – the timeless charm of which will amplify your contemporary home. Even if you are not looking to buy, the Karaikudi antique markets will enthrall you with the tales behind its wares. As you read through this post, you will realize that the Antique market in Karaikudi is actually, a living museum of Chettinad.
Contents
About the Antique Market in Karaikudi
To explain what is special about the Karaikudi Antique Markets, I need to re-share the history of the Chettinad region. It started with the Nagarathar community or the Chettiars losing their original home base – Poompuhar to Tsunami. The mercantile community set up base in Karaikudi and the surrounding area. Their business prospered and led them to places beyond India. The stunning mansions of Chettinad including the Athangudi palace and the Kanadukathan palace stand as a symbol of the wealth accumulated by the respective Chettiar families.
During the frequent trade trips abroad, these families got back relics and decor for their lavish homes. It was not unusual to find Murano glasswork, Japanese and Chinese vases and European curios kept alongside the artistic Indian statues and sculptures. Over time, these families moved away from these ancestral homes. A lot of them chose to settle abroad – specifically in the South East Asian countries. A few of them locked up the homes owing to property disputes and then there were some, who lost their wealth and could not maintain their homes. Whatever the reason being, the rich decor of these homes found their way to the Karaikudi antique shops.
The little Antique market lane of Karaikudi has been existing for over 40 years. So far, they have been popular with the people visiting Karaikudi. However, today, their fame has attracted tradesmen from Rajasthan and Maharashtra. These tradesmen buy goods from here, refurbish and resell those at higher prices in fancy boutiques. Naturally, for you, nothing is better than buying at source – the quirky antique market of Karaikudi.
How to reach the Karaikudi Antique Market?
Karaikudi is a small town in Tamil Nadu that can be reached in any of the following manner –
- By Air – The nearest airport is Madurai or Trichy. Both these are equidistant at 100 km from Karaikudi
- By Rail – Karaikudi has its own railway station with good connectivity to Chennai and the key towns of South India
- By Road – One can drive down from Bangalore or Chennai to Karaikudi. It takes approximately 7 hours from either of these two places.
Once in Karaikudi, head towards Muneesvaran Kovil. This is a huge temple in a busy market area. The antique market of Karaikudi is in one of the lanes that are behind the temple. A landmark to this is the lane that falls right opposite to the gate that leads into the temple tank and the parking area.
What to buy in the antique market of Karaikudi?
We kept circling around the temple, trying to find the Karaikudi antique market. It was hard to figure out as the locals don’t call it the antique market. Finally, after asking around, we zeroed into one particular area, behind the temple tank. It took one or two misses before we managed to enter the lane of treasures and Gosh! What a sight it was! From antique furniture to trinkets and coins, idols and curios and paintings of Raja Ravi Verma (I am told, these are originals), the antique market lane had everything.
Antique furniture in Karaikudi
Should you have a garden, you might consider buying some of the metal benches in the antique market. Complete with intricately carved figures, they promise a nice touch of Indian heritage to your space of green. There were beautiful tables, rocking chairs, and swings on display. Some of these shops even sold the famous Karakudi doors – complete with their Burma teak wood carvings. My personal favorites were the door knockers and the antique locks that came in a variety of themes.
Home Decor in the Karaikudi Antique Markets
One look at the varied collection of sculptures, and you would wonder if you were in a museum. The only other place where I have seen such ornamental pieces are those huge luxury galleries. Wooden pieces that can be installed on temple doors and bronze idols of Hindu deities are available in plenty. Some of these metal pieces double up as diyas or oil lamps while there are others that make great wall hangings
If you happen to own a mansion of your own, you would love their life-sized statues. The huge tigers would make a great addition to your porch. Hmmm – I can imagine a Bollywood scene here, where a lord sitting on his throne is stroking the metal creatures beside him 😉
The stores of the antique market in Karaikudi will spoil with a choice of lamps and curios. You will find designs from Sweden, Austria, Japan, India and many more countries. The lamps are available in every possible size and shape. There are hanging lamps and fixed ones as well as the sturdy moveable shades of different colors. All you have to do is dig through the collection.
Paintings and Collector’s items in the Antique market of Chettinad
It is not impossible to find an original Raja Ravi Varma painting in this antique market. However, it sure is difficult to pick one of the many Tanjore paintings available here – there are just too many. These paintings were the pride of a Chettinad home and are now, available at very affordable rates in these antique shops.
If you are a coin collector, be sure to ask the shopkeeper for what he is selling. You might find a really rare and historic one out here. For collectors of historical pictures, there is plenty of black and white Chettiar homes and families available on sale. I also, recommend looking out for the old gramophones, telephones and radios. Some of them actually work even now and you might just find the right corner in your own home for these.
I personally, did not buy anything here – not because of its price (which is super reasonable) but for the fact, I fear my home is can never amplify its brilliance. However, I definitely enjoyed window shopping here. Actually, it was more like living the Chettinad age and glory. And thus, even if you are not a shopaholic like me, you need to get here. So, pin this up lest you forget.
Travel Tips
- Remember to bargain hard.
- Be careful when buying metal items. A lot of them have not been treated or cleaned. Insist on the storekeeper polishing and cleaning it up.
Booking resources
- If you are looking for a stay in Karaikudi, you can check out Booking.com .
- For any kind of travel essentials or accessories in general, consider Amazon.
Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links. This means that at no cost to you, I will receive a small commission if you purchase through my link. Thank you for supporting me with this.
Popularly referred to as a Restless Ball of Energy. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug.
I am a Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a travel blogger by passion. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you don’t find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. I believe in planning for every long weekend through the year. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including BBC Travel, Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. I have recently published my first book – When Places Come Alive – a collection of stories that are based on legends, landscapes, art and culture of a place which is available in both ebook and paperback format.
Truely a hidden gem
Thanks Shrinidhi
Super article and images.
Thanks Pranita
First thing we do when we go to a new destination is look out for markets and second hand shops. I agree with you .. in order to get to know a place, these are the places to head for. A shop like this, with relics from the past really gives you an insight into the history of a place, and it like a museum, except this one is a place where you can touch and feel the history. Even if you don’t buy anything, they’re still good to walk around. I think I’d be happy just to buy one of those locks though … not too big to carry around in my backpack.
That is what I did…just walked around. Wish though now, that I had bought those locks!
Exactly, visiting markets is a great introduction to knowing the local culture. It is what makes traveling more exciting and more fun. Looking at those antique shops is like an open museum, an art show of cultures. Although I haven’t been to Karaikudi, my only experience with the local market in India is in Delhi and Agra.
Trust me, having seen the other markets, this one tops the list. There is so much of authentic stuff here.
I love visiting markets when I travel, so this antiques one appeals to me. Those old doors and locks are marvellous, I could take a lock home, a door, sadly no! I’ve also no mansion to keep a metal tiger but they’re fabulous. I enjoyed your tips on barganing, I’d give it my best shot!
Thanks Lisa. I am now wondering why I did not buy that lock 😉 Lots of people loved it
Markets are always a great place to find treasures. So cool that you can find treasures from the Chettinad Mansions on a visit to the Antique Market in Karaikudi. We normally do not bring home souvenirs. But that would not stop me from looking at the history in this spot. I can see why you would say it was a bit like walking in a museum. I am sure if you are a real collector and know the value of things, you could even get some amazing deals.
Just window shopping here is worth your time. So much of history and culture is revealed when you wander through this tiny lane.
I would love to visit a market like this. I think it would really help dive into the culture of the area. There are so many beautiful items there and the best part is they are authentic. If you are looking for something original this looks like the place to go. I would certainly want to buy something, the benches are making me wish I had a garden to put it in. I think I would have to stick to one of the smaller items though. The locks are pretty cool-such detail that went into them. I need to start visiting more spots like this one.
I honestly, started redecorating my own home mentally. The place has that effect on you!
Don’t you just love to visit antique shops and appreciate how beautiful the artworks and detailed they are? They are like an open museum for our eyes to feast on. Looking at it, the locks are really pretty and unique.
Thanks Glenn. This one is definitely a museum
You have the perfect opening statement and I couldn’t agree more. Visiting markets (both antique and food markets) give a glimpse into the authentic culture of a region. Looking at those photos I think I would have wanted to buy everything. Those wooden pieces and furniture are so intricate and beautiful. Wish I could furnish my entire house with findings from the Karaikudi Market!
Me too…I just felt the need to redesign my home after seeing this!
We like window shopping at antique markets like Karaikudi. Used to be we came home with something in hand, but not anymore. The doorknobs are really interesting, but I know my husband will like the old phone.
This place just tempts you in every possible way. Thanks for stopping by
I’m a huge fan of local markets. They are the best place to chat with locals, try foods and buy amazing souvenirs. I really like this set up along a single lane, clever and cute! It would be a lot of fun to purchase a few things and refurbish them myself when I got home, make for a great story and souvenir
In general, markets are amazing and this one, is unique and lovely too!
Nice, article and also good knowledge sharing..
Glad you liked it
Oh my. What a find for me. I’ve been wanting to find some antiques for my home and didn’t know where to look. Your blog was an accidental find. Very well written, thanks so much.
Thank you Padmaja. I am sure you will find a lot of hidden jewels here
Very usful article. I am constucting a chittinadu style house and I was looking for things like the doors and pillars. Just wanted to know if you have any contact number or an old card that the shopkeeprs might have given you, if you any such contact details, please do share it. It will be of immense use for me now.
Warm regards
Ramesh
I am sorry but at this point, I do not have any numbers. Will add them in if I can get them
Hi Ami.
I’m planning on going to Karaikudi next week with the sole purpose of buying antique furniture. Your article was of great help.
I just want to know, would language be a barrier there? I cannot speak Tamil and I had a tough time living in Chennai. Would I be able to manage in a town without knowing the local language?
English should not be an issue. I too, did not know Tamil 😀
I have recently been here.
The pricing seem a little too high.
I couldn’t bargain without knowing the details.
Ah yes, there is a lot of bargaining to be done but the artifacts – at least most of them, are worth it.
Do they have a website and can we purchase online ?
Thank you
Sadly no. There isn’t a website to buy online.
I had been to Kairakudi early last year looking for pillars and doors for my under-construction house. Just like you said Ami we were spoilt for choice. A unique place where the relics of the past lies behind dark interiors and only a keen eye can spot the exquisiteness.
You got that right Kala. Totally in love with the place.
So wonderful! Thank you for sharing this beautiful article.
Thank you so much. Glad you liked it