Swami Silver is the name given to a distinctive style of silverware that originated in the South Indian city of Madras (now known as Chennai) during the British rule. This style is characterized by figures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Variety of objects emerged in Swami Silver design. These included trays, tea sets, tankards, jugs, goblets, ewers, trophies, visiting card cases. Swami in the local Tamil language means God or deity and the term Swami Silver obviously originated from the proliferation of images of Gods and deities on these silver objects.