Established 1994 · Trichy, Tamil Nadu

Where Tradition
Meets Eternity

Cholan Arts is a sanctuary for classical dance, Carnatic music, and the living heritage of Tamil Nadu - nurturing artists who carry ancient wisdom into the modern world.

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Cholan Arts Performance
1994
38 Years of Heritage
Since 1994
Cholan Arts Story
Early days
Our Story

Rooted in Heritage,
Blooming Through Art

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Cholan Arts Emporium showcases a diverse and carefully curated collection, including bronze and brass sculptures, silver jewellery, precious and semi-precious jewellery, silk paintings, stoles, as well as cotton and handloom textiles. Pandian takes a personal interest in engaging with visitors, sharing insights into the craftsmanship, symbolism, and cultural significance behind each piece, thereby creating a meaningful connection between the art and the buyer.

In 2007, with a vision to support and sustain traditional artisans, he established his own foundry at Swamimalai, the heartland of Chola Bronze casting. This initiative not only ensured authenticity in production but also provided skilled artisans with dignified livelihoods. All sculptures are handcrafted using the ancient lost-wax casting technique, where each piece is unique, and no two creations are ever identical, making every artwork truly exclusive.

As the business grew, Cholan Arts Emporium expanded its presence with branches in Tiruvannamalai (1998), Kumbakonam (2007), and Madurai (2012). The Tiruvannamalai showroom holds a special place, featuring a distinctive collection of spiritual literature from renowned masters and gurus. Carefully curated from across the country, this collection offers visitors an opportunity for introspection, spiritual enrichment, and a deeper sense of connection.

Today, Cholan Arts Emporium stands as a sought-after destination for global travellers seeking authentic Indian handicrafts. Through its commitment to preserving rare art forms, especially the traditional Chola Bronze casting, which is increasingly at risk of decline, the emporium continues to play a vital role in reviving and sustaining this invaluable heritage.

Each showroom reflects the spirit of India’s cultural and spiritual richness, offering artefacts that are not only aesthetically striking but also deeply rooted in tradition, enabling visitors to experience the timeless legacy of Indian art and craftsmanship.

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

🙏

Devotion over Performance

We teach art as spiritual practice first. Technical excellence matters - but only when rooted in sincere devotion to the art form and its sacred origins.

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Lineage & Continuity

Every technique we teach traces an unbroken line back to the ancient masters. We are custodians of a living tradition, responsible for passing it intact to the next generation.

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Inclusivity of the Arts

Classical art belongs to all - regardless of age, background, or ability. We nurture students from 4 to 60 with equal care, creating a true community of artists.

🔬

Rigour & Refinement

Our curriculum is built on the ancient Guru-Shishya tradition. We demand discipline, but always with compassion - understanding that mastery is a lifelong journey.

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Innovation within Tradition

We honour the classical canon while embracing contemporary contexts. Our students are trained to interpret ancient forms for modern audiences without diluting their essence.

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Community & Belonging

Cholan Arts is not just a school - it is a family. Our alumni network spans 40 countries, all bound by a shared love for South Indian classical arts and the spirit of Cholan.

Our Journey

Steps in Lost Wax Technique

Lost wax casting is one of humanity's oldest and most refined sculptural arts, transforming simple wax carvings into timeless metal masterpieces. By encasing a wax figure in clay and burning it away, craftsmen pour molten bronze into the resulting void, revealing breathtaking sculptures of unmatched detail and singular beauty.

All begin with a “Midrib” or “Eerkili”

The midribs of coconut tree leaves are used for the outline of the proposed model of the statue. No devices are used for measurements.

01
02

Beeswax into a Handmade skeleton

Using the measurements taken, handmade skeleton beeswax models are crafted, marked with major lines and divisions.

Wax model splashed with Delta Clay

The wax model is covered with the clay, leaving a small hole at the bottom and is left to dry for a few days without any disturbance to the structure.

03
04

Wax Lost – Embryo made

The clay-covered wax models are baked in fire, and one can witness the wax inside run out in a melted condition, leaving behind only the clay model. This is the moment where the term Lost Wax becomes True, turning the model “Only one of its kind”.

Embryo Evolves into a statue

An alloy of five metals, Zinc, Copper, Tin, Silver and Gold, is heated to form a metal called “Panchaloka”(combination of Five metals). The alloy is heated to a very high temperature of 1400 degrees Celsius. The heated mixture is poured from the crucible into the embryo carefully. The embryo is allowed to cool for a few days.

05
06

Statue with all its beauty

The outer clay layer of the embryo is removed very carefully with chisels, and the statue taken out is now ready for further processing by the artisans. The entire team works on the statue, chiselling and filing for weeks, turning it into a beautiful statue with all minute details like fingernails and the statue is further adorned with jewels, hairstyles, and crowns. Bas reliefs are made with similar procedures.

Cholan Arts
🌟 Founder

The Visionary
Behind Cholan Arts

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Pandian, Founder of Cholan Arts Emporium, Tiruchirappalli, established the enterprise in 1994, driven by a deep passion for India’s rich artistic heritage. His journey in the handicrafts sector began as early as 1985, and in 1994, he ventured independently into the handicrafts business, laying the foundation for what would later become a distinguished name in traditional arts.

With decades of experience, Pandian has consistently worked towards preserving and promoting India’s indigenous art forms. He strongly believes that handicrafts are not merely products, but living expressions of heritage, embodying traditional knowledge, craftsmanship, and cultural identity. His passion lies in Chola Bronze and brass artefacts, inspired by the grandeur of the Chola dynasty and its timeless artistic legacy.

32+
Years of Excellence
Since 1994 in Trichy
2,400+
Trained Artists
Across 40 countries
180+
Stage Productions
In India & worldwide
12+
Art Disciplines
Dance · Music · Sculpture
Community Impact
Beyond the Stage

Cultural authenticity

At Cholan Arts, every creation reflects a tradition that has been shaped and refined over generations. Our focus is not just on the finished piece, but on the integrity of the process behind it. By working closely with skilled artisans and maintaining our own foundry in Swamimalai, we ensure that each sculpture is crafted using time-honoured methods, without compromise. Our role is to sustain the authenticity of Indian craftsmanship in its true form. Ensuring traditional techniques are practised without dilution Supporting artisans through long-term, consistent engagement Retaining the individuality of each handcrafted piece Presenting heritage art in a way that remains relevant today Every piece we create stands as a reflection of this commitment.

Customer Reviews

Hear from devotees and collectors who have brought home a piece of living heritage.

★★★★★

The Lord Shiva murti I received is beyond words - majestic, powerful, and deeply spiritual. The detailing is exquisite, and it brings a divine presence.

Priyanka S.
Chennai, India
★★★★★

The Nataraja I ordered arrived beautifully packaged and exceeded all my expectations. The craftsmanship is museum-quality.

Rajan M.
Bengaluru, India
★★★★★

I gifted this Ganesha idol to my parents for their new home. They were moved to tears by the beauty and quality. Cholan Arts truly delivers divine artistry.

Ananya K.
Mumbai, India
★★★★★

Ordered the Lakshmi idol for Diwali. Fast shipping, exquisite packaging, and the idol itself is simply breathtaking. Customer service was warm and helpful throughout.

Sunita V.
Hyderabad, India

Indian Divine Idols

Cholan Arts is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the ancient tradition of handcrafted Hindu deity idols.

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