Vidya Shankar Sthapathy: A Pioneer of the Madras Metaphor Born in Karur, Tamil Nadu, in 1938, Vidya Shankar Sthapathy represents a singular thread in Indian modern sculpture – the last craftsman to wholeheartedly embrace contemporary forms while deeply rooted in centuries-old artistic traditions. His journey is one of profound lineage, innovative technique, and a quiet revolution within the art world. He currently resides in Kumbakonam, a town steeped in artistic heritage within the Thanjavur district, carrying forward a legacy that stretches back perhaps as far as the magnificent temples of…