As you drive down the East-Coast road to Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), past the myriad farm houses, adjacent to MGM Dizee world, is Dakshinachitra, some 28 kms from Chennai. Dakshinachitra, roughly translated in this context, means 'picture of South India'. It is a depiction of the way of life prevalent in South India. A trip down Dakshinachitra takes you back to traditional home architecture from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. A typical village space, with exhibitions and workshops of the arts and crafts and performing artists of South India. Started with the objective to revive, preserve and promote the arts and crafts of South India, it also serves as heritage education for visitors from outside South India and also for children who have never had the opportunity to experience their culture. More than four years old, Dakshinachitra was founded by the Madras Craft Foundation. Conceived by its Chairman Deborah Tyagarajan, it is has been brought to life by the British Architect, Lawrie Baker.

As soon as you reach Dakshinachitra, you are shown an 18-minute orientation video, which gives you an idea as to what the place is all about. A sudden peace and quiet fills my heart as we begin the trek down this 10-acre land. The orientation video speaks of the cycle of life as being harmonious with nature. It gives you an insight into the various cultural, socio-economic and climatic factors that influenced the architecture in the olden days. These are real 18th and 19th century houses where people lived at some point of time; they have been dismantled and reconstructed at Dakshinachitra.

First on the list is the Karnataka Weaver's House. The weaver community of Karnataka are known for the famous Ilkal saree. One peculiarity of the Ilkal saree being the white silk band. The weaver community of Karnataka are snake worshippers and are also devotees of Lord Shiva. They use copper and brass pots. Jawar rotis form their staple diet.

Next, we move on to the Ayyanar Shrine of Tamil Nadu. The Ayyanar shrine has large statues of the village guardian deity, who protects the village from evil and wrongdoing. He protects the village with the help of Karuppuswamy, popularly known as Karuppu, who supposedly roams around on a horse or elephant, protecting the village. The priest at the Ayyanar Shrine belongs to the potter community. Ayyanar worship is popular in and around the Madurai, Pudukottai and Virudhunagar regions. The highlight of Ayyanar shrines is the large terracotta horses and elephants. Each year the traditional Ayyanar shrine has a major village festival where villagers dedicate new terracotta horses and cows to the gods.

Adjacent to the Ayyanar Shrine is the Tamil Nadu Basket Maker's House. Made of mud and cow dung, the house has a thatched roof. The entrance is typically decorated with Kolam (designs made by hand with rice powder). This tradition of drawing Kolam is a part of an age-old system. The Kolam supposedly provides food for ants and birds.

And then we move on to the Potter's House. The house depicts the actual lifestyle of the potters, with space for living and working. A separate working area has been provided for Palani - son of the master potter Ramu Velan from Thiruvallur, to demonstrate to visitors, the art of making pots. Ironically, what was a way of life some time ago has now got to be demonstrated as art. Ramu Velan and Palani are resident potters of Dakshinachitra. They work at Dakshinachitra for its in-house requirements and also conduct pottery workshops. Some of their works are sold at the Dakshinachitra crafts shop.

The Tamil Nadu Weaver's House is an authentic weaver's house from Kancheepuram. Weavers work in the large open area around the courtyard, with all the necessary equipment. This house is a delight for the traditional Indian woman who still prefers the graceful saree. On display are various sarees in the Chettinad, Coimbatore and Kancheepuram tradition. Another interesting display is the Real Madras Handkerchief called RMHK. It is actually used as a body drape, but is called a kerchief, because of its square shape. The RMHK was sent to the Kalabari tribe in Africa, who loved the RMHK for its softness and vibrant colours.

Behind the Weaver's house is a Chariot hall which houses an 18th century wooden Ratha (Chariot); probably from the Tanjore region. The Ratha would be taken out of the temple for processions, carrying a well-decorated bronze deity.