Kerala, the land of infinite charm and infectious gaiety, is also the homeland of a host of handicrafts renowned the world over for their exquisite variety and pristine quality.

Kerala, a state of exurbant fertility in the southwest of India, contributed its own genius, its own vibrant rhythm to this Indian artistic tradition. Be it a miniature of Palm leaf, a mythological figure, an intricate inlay work or an exquisite sculpture, Kerala handicrafts are the finest manifestations of man's creativity and craftsmanship perfected through centuries of supreme dedication.

The sculptures in ancient Kerala were designed only as a decorative element of an architectural scheme and were therefore determined by the canons and exigencies of the architectural settings of buildings. Within these limitations there was a conscious artistic striving for creative expression in plastic arts, which reflect the religious zeal of the people and their taste for decoration and embellishment.

The early sculptors were artists; not merely carvers and they always created something new and original in stone. In Kerala, the earliest specimen of sculptures in stone are the three figures found in the cave temple at Kaviyoor, which belongs to the eighth century A.D. the rock-cut relief's of Vizhinjam, belong to the same period, bearing a closer resemblance to later pallava work. The ancient Vishnu temple at Thrikkodithanam in Changanassery has two 'vyali' panels with sculptures belonging to the 11th century, depicting two distinct types of ancient dances.

Kudaikuthu (umbrelladance) and kudamkuthu (potdance) are visible. Two panels depicting dancing figures presumed to belong to the 12th century A.D and two figures of dwara palakas carved in black granite are found in the ancient temples at Thiruvananthapuram. The exquisite image of Vishnu at Guruvayoor temple and at The Sree Padmanabha Swami temple reveals the best traditions of stone sculpture in the state.

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