Dindigul Locks

Dindigul Locks are the sturdy, hand-made locks manufactured in the town of Dindigul, which has been a centre of lock-making for well over a century. The town's locks are famous for their strength, durability and intricate internal lever mechanisms, and range from tiny padlocks to very large locks used for temples, prisons, godowns and homes. Skilled workers cut, shape, assemble and finish each lock largely by hand in small workshops, and the abundance of iron and the town's soft water are said to help temper the metal well. Distinctive traditional products include the mango-shaped lock, the tricky 'trick locks' and export-quality lever locks that made Dindigul's name. The industry is spread across hundreds of small units and cottage workshops, giving livelihood to a large community of artisans and keeping alive a proud tradition of Tamil metal craftsmanship.