A Comprehensive Guide On Indian Wooden Handicrafts

One of the world’s most ancient traditional art forms that are being practiced in our diverse country is wooden handicrafts. Wooden handicrafts are created by carving different kinds of creative objects on a wooden log. Each wooden artist produces a unique handcraft according to their individual talents. The tradition and culture of India are widely regarded. 

Kadam Wood Handcrafted Chowki Ganesha

A key component of India's elaborate and distinctive culture is handicrafts. Handicraft is the second-largest source of employment in the nation, behind agriculture, according to a report from the Indian Craft Council. 

In addition to being diversified, our country is also wholly distinctive. You get to view some of the most fascinating and captivating artworks created with common, everyday objects. Among those extraordinary crafts is wood art. Amazing craftspeople may create astounding miracles out of a mere piece of wood.

Origin of Wooden Handicraft

India is renowned around the world for its beautiful and long-lasting wooden handicrafts. Wooden antiques, including elegant furniture made of wood, have a huge global fan base. Wood is used to make an enormous variety of goods and decorative items. There is no end to the possibilities for carved figurines, accessories, paperweights, showpieces, and ornamental items. 

Elephant Hand-Carved Kadam Wood

Palace decoration and the art of woodworking have a long history. Various timbers were carved into sacred, decorative, and practical objects based on what was readily available where they were. As time went on, other centers for wood carving with individual styles evolved.

Rajasthan: The Hub of wooden Handicrafts

Rajasthan: the handloom hub is well-known for its diverse art and craft sector in addition to its natural beauty. Rajasthan's woodwork and kadam wooden carvings are as well known as their stunning surroundings. 

At Rudhigat, we have wooden carvings made out of Kadam wood. The reason why we chose kadam wood is that it is not hollow like the other wood types. Kadam woods are free of termites and have a longer life compared to other types of wood.

The Kadam wood carving has deep roots and has been given royal prestige by several governing regimes. With such support, the craft blossomed, and whole families entered this line of work. The state has a variety of wood varieties that allow artisans to hone their abilities. 

The Rajasthani Kadam wood carving business has expanded over the years as a result of the rulers' interest in unusual carving.

India’s Most Famous Wood Carving Hubs

• Rajasthan

Among all the Indian states, Rajasthan is said to be the main hub where almost every type of handicraft is practiced, from metal crafts and brass crafts to marble crafts and crystal crafts. 

Kadam wood carvings are not the only ones that are created in Rajasthan. Wood carvings from sandalwood and Rohida wood are also labored by Rajasthan’s wooden artists. Almost 90% of the puppets that we see in the different parts of the countries are manufactured in Rajasthan.

• Gujarat

Some of the greatest ornate carvings on antique residences' balconies may be found in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. An important location for lacquered furniture is Sankheda. 

On a lacquered background, designs are painted on the surface. This is used to create the appearance of silver. Children's toys, cradles, and bedposts are also produced here. Sadeli, another name for marquetry work, is a tradition in Surat. 

The tomb of Rani Sipri and the mosque of Sidi Saiyed, both in Ahmedabad, are the best examples of Gujarati carpenters' delicate and beautiful craftsmanship.

• Kashmir

North Indian states are well known for their dry fruits cultivation, and Kashmir bags the highest amount of walnut wood and hence manufactures a large amount of walnut wood carved artifacts.

Kashmir’s residences are popular for their geometrical patterned ceilings and “Pinjara,” i.e., mesh-worked windows created by different wood pieces. The adorning ceilings and pillars are known as “Khatamband.” 

Kashmir’s creativity is not limited to just windows and ceilings. Kashmiri artists also manufacture furniture, wooden bowls, table tops, cigar cases, utility boxes, etc. are getting more and more popular with time.

• Assam

Assam is a heavily forested region with a long tradition of woodworking recognized for its distinctive designs and items.

The distinctive wooden house, “Kirtanghar,” is exceedingly odd and fascinating. It is also known as the house for worship or singing religious songs. It has a seat that resembles a throne and is frequently shaped like a peacock. It has three to nine tiers and is supported by sculptured lions, with the lowest tree resting on tortoises.

Assam is renowned for its exquisitely carved chests, which may be used to store anything from jewelry to dishes, as well as for its little stools and tables that go with them, bookrests, hookahs, and intricately designed sandals.

India’s Never-Fading Art Culture

These were just a handful of wooden handicraft types that were performed in India. India has always been a country of art and culture. Apart from giving birth to different languages all around the world, India has given birth to many art forms and handicrafts forms. 

Rudhigat has aimed to preserve India's rich culture and art so that every Indian citizen can witness it and feel proud to be Indian. And if you are looking for a store that avails you of a huge variety of Indian artifacts, which you can even gift to your close ones.