Sculpture Business in Mahabalipuram

As Mahabalipuram is well known for its history and archaeology. It is a place of carved sculptures and ancient temples. The carvings and the temples depict the presence of Ancient Hindu Epics. So while strolling through the streets of Mahabalipuram.I happen to meet this shop called Valluvar Arts & Crafts on East Raja Street of Mahabalipuram which is the main road of the Town. The shop is adjacent to the Mamalla Heritage hotel.

On entering the shop I met Sthapathi Mr D.Kannan, Sthapathi meaning master sculptors and artefacts. The shop had a collection of antiques, wooden sculptures of especially teak wood, bronze sculptures, marble sculptures, granite sculptures. On giving my introduction to him he was willing to discuss about the business. He said that the cost of the sculptures varies from Rs 200 to upto Rs 500000, the main customers who buy the sculptures are Local Tourists, Resorts and Hotels, Temples and religious institution.

Most of the sculpture work is done near a place called Kancheepuram. The labourers involved in the sculpture making business are regarded as “vishwakarmas” name of a hindu god believed to be the god of architect. Mr Kannan also said that he has another shop on ECR Road which he says, primarly to target the Chennai going customers. He said the primary tools involved in the making are hammers and chisels.

Mr Kannan mentioned that competition is tough and that there are more than 100 sculpture shops in Mahabalipuram itself. When asked him about whether he does export these sculptures he said that the market is not that lucrative as it sounds,because of the global recession, tourists are too very careful in buying the products. They are more concerned about the value for money than anything else.

He said that the Profit margin must be around 30-40% of the total of goods sold. He takes advance from the customers on getting an order and the remaining money is paid to him when he delivers the sculptures. It usually takes around 2 months or more for a sculpture to be made depending on the magnitude of the work.

He said that he does not indulge in any sort of sales activity like promoting, newspaper advertisements but they have sales agents which are the only source of pushing their sales.