Caste in the Crafts

Does it matter?
Three artisan couples: 1. A blacksmith and his wife, both carrying the tools of their trade. 2. A carpenter and his wife, both carrying the tools of their trade. 3. A goldsmith and his wife, both carrying the tools of their trade.
Three Brahmin Couples. 1830. Tanjore. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Vishwakarma

Fashioner of all Ornaments

Vishwakarma Story

A Hindu bangle-seller with his wife and child. Trichy. 19th century.
A bangle-seller and his wife. 19th century. Tanjore.

Vishwakarma

Description from the Mahabharata

Goldsmiths in Tamilnadu

Kammalar, Achaari, Thattan, Vishwakarma
A glass-bangle-seller and his wife. 19th century, Tanjore.
Painting. Goldsmith and his wife. Tanjore. 1805. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

The Indian Craftsman

by Ananda Coomaraswamy

Description of Vishwakarma

Two goldsmiths. Tanjore painting. 1770. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Caste names for Tamilnadu artisans: kammalar, thattaan, ratna-thayyan (jewel stitcher)

Source: Vishwakarma Craftsmen in Early Medieval Peninsular India by Vijaya Ramaswamy.