State-Wise

Each state of India reflects traditional workmanship pertaining to that region. Every state offers something unique to contribute to the treasure trove of Indian handicrafts. Here, the focus is on Indian Handicrafts in general, and Wooden Handicrafts in particular.

Kashmir
Kashmir is famous for walnut wood. Kashmiri craftsmen make exquisite wooden handicrafts with intricate carvings in walnut, and chinar wood which is locally available. Walnut wood is a favorite of carvers here, since it is one of the strongest varieties.

Floral patterns on wood are chiseled with the greatest accuracy of detail. Tables, fruit trays, bowls, chairs, cabinets, candle stands etc. are replete with rich carved patterns and decorative inlay work. Skilled Kashmiri laborers also carve beautiful furniture from rosewood. In Kashmir, wooden handicrafts are an integral part of Anantnag, Bijbihara, Kupwara, Leh, and Srinagar, among others.

Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is famous all over the world for carved and inlaid wooden handicrafts. The Shivalik range yields raw material for the manufacture of wooden handicrafts. Wooden handicrafts made of ebony or black sheesham, haldu, and mango wood are well-known for their durability, elegance and stylish designs.

The artisans of Uttar Pradesh excel in the art of inlaid wood-work. Wooden articles like bowls, trays and decorative items are inlaid with brass wire. Wooden handicrafts like furniture, frames, and toys with ornamental, intricate patterns and traditional designs are also available.

In Uttar Pradesh, wooden handicrafts are manufactured in Agra, Almora, Amroha, Bijnaur, Bulandshahr, Khurja, Mainpuri, Mirzapur, Moradabad, Nainital, and Uttarkashi, among others.

Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh has a rich tradition of carved wooden handicrafts. The trees which are used in making wooden handicrafts are sal, teak, and oak. The tribal sects of Arunchal Pradesh carve exquisite wooden objects which are not only beautiful, but also useful.

Wood is carved to make dishes, bowls and cups, and toys. Carved and painted masks, miniature figurines, and statues of warriors are very popular. Carved idols of cultural and religious value including those of Lord Buddha are an instant favorite.

In Arunachal Pradesh, wooden handicrafts are available in Lohit, Tirap, Tawang, and Upper & West Siang.

Rajasthan
Rajasthan is also known as the 'treasure trove of Indian handicrafts'. Elegantly carved tables, cabinets, chairs, tables, chests, windows, racks, chessboards etc. are produced here. Figurines with ivory inlay work, jali or latticework in rosewood or sandalwood with wonderful finishes are also instant favorites.

Skilled artisans craft decorative and utilitarian objects made from wood that is obtained locally. Painted doors depicting scenes from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata are unique to Rajasthan. Household items, furniture, and lamps are carved in graceful designs with gentle shapes, and are lacquered in soft shades.

In Rajasthan, carved wooden furniture, woodware and puppets are available in Barmer, Bassi, Chiru, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Jaipur among others.

Gujarat
Gujarat is famous for wooden handicrafts. Exquisitely carved wooden handicrafts from Gujarat like wooden screens and furniture are very popular throughout the world. Artisans carve wooden sculptures, toys and other items of utility, and then paint them in bright, beautiful colors.

Gujarat is renowned for its elegantly carved furniture, large wooden chests and ornate wooden screens. Craftsmen carve decorative panels which are inlaid with ebony, redwood, tin etc. Wooden handicrafts display delicate floral patterns chiseled to perfection.

In Gujarat, wooden handicrafts can be found aplenty in Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Bhuj, Diu, Junagadh, Kutch, and Surat among others.

Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh provides an assortment of wooden handicrafts on a platter. Carved wooden handicrafts like wall panels, doors, window frames, idols and furniture are crafted from sheesham, teak, dhudi, sal and kikar.

Various types of painted and lacquered wood products such as masks, toys, boxes, flower vases etc. are also popular. The experienced craftsmen of Madhya Pradesh carve exotic wooden handicrafts spanning all designs, shapes and sizes.

In Madhya Pradesh, wooden handicrafts are manufactured in Bastar, Budhni, Bundelkhand, Gwalior, Malwa, Rewa, and Sheopur Kalan among others.

West Bengal
West Bengal has an immortal inheritance of wooden handicrafts. Carved wooden idols of gods and goddesses, and traditional figures exhibit craftsmanship exclusive to West Bengal. The wood used for carving is mainly neem, mango, teak, sheesham, and bel.

Wooden platters and bowls inlaid with brass are carved in interesting shapes. The craftsmen of West Bengal are experienced in the art of carving wooden beams, rafters and pillars. Painted wooden masks used in religious festivals depicting gods, mythological heroes, and demons are also very popular.

In West Bengal, wooden handicrafts are produced mainly in Bankura, Birbhum, Burdwan, Darjeeling, Hooghly, Jalpaiguri, Koochbehar, Midnapur, Murshidabad, Nadia, and Ramjibanpur.

Orissa
The handicrafts of Orissa portray the rich cultural heritage of this region. Craftsmen of Orissa create exquisite wooden handicrafts with ivory inlay work, and intricate carvings. White teak or rosewood is mostly used for plain wood carvings.

A wide range of painted wooden items like masks, ornamental panels and boxes are very popular. Chief attractions include hancrafted idols of the residing deities of Puri - Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath.

In Orissa, the chief centers of wooden handicrafts include Barpali, Berhampur, Bhograi, Cuttack, Khalikote, Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Phulbani, Puri, and Sambalpur among others.

Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is overwhelming in terms of its rich traditional wooden handicrafts. Red sandalwood that is locally available is used to carve panels, columns, framework, and traditional dolls. Each handcrafted piece tells a story of perseverance and dedication.

Mythological figurines, furniture and glazed toys are created using neem, teak, and mango wood. The handicrafts of Andhra are renowned for their decorative value and utility. Artisans carve musical instruments, arches, and wooden balustrades besides combs and trinkets.

In Andhra Pradesh, wooden handicrafts are manufactured in Bhongir, Chittoor, Hyderabad, Kondapalli, Nirmal, Tirupati, Udaygiri, and Vishakhapatnam among others.

Karnataka
Karnataka has carved a beautiful niche for itself in the wooden handicrafts industry. Sandalwood and rosewood are chiefly used to create utilitarian items and mementos. Skilled craftsmen carve exquisite wooden items like jewel boxes, lamp shades, trays, puppets, and walking sticks.

The craftsmen of Karnataka are skilled in wood inlay work, which is depicted in mythological themes, furniture and wall hangings. Inlay work is done with rosewood, ebony, and ivory. Carved wooden items like toys and dolls are also available, and the rosewood elephant is a famous specialty.

In Karnataka, wooden handcrafted items are produced mainly in Bangalore, Belgaum, Bhadravati, Channapatna, Gokak, Hounawar, Kumta, Mysore, Sagar, Siddapur, Sirsi, and Sorab.

Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has an ancient tradition of carved wooden handicrafts. Craftsmen carve small wooden shrines for deities, low stools used in marriage ceremonies, fans for deities, and other items of religious significance.

Cooking vessels, vermilion boxes, and toys made of wood are also very popular. Wooden items of utility are carved with intricate patterns. Tabletops with floral motifs or parrots, and wooden panels with epic scenes are also very popular.

In Tamil Nadu, wooden handicrafts are produced in Chingleput, Cuddalore, Kanyakumari, Karaikudi, Madurai, Nagercoil, Rameshwaram, Thanjavur, Vellore, and Virudhunagar besides others.