The article is based on the Craft that I chose to explore in my hometown state, Karnataka
India boasts as one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The country's vast cultural and ethnic diversity is showcased in its wide array of fascinating handicrafts.
Karnataka is known for its handicraft industry and its unique, traditional masterpieces which are made from a variety of materials using intricate motifs and time tested as well as modern techniques
Map of Karnataka, India
Source: Google Images
It has a dense forest cover which provides for a variety of rich raw material (wood) - such as Sandalwood, Teak, Rosewood, Shivani, Neem, White Wood, Jackfruit Wood, Chestnut, Walnut, Mahogany and Teak
Districts in Karnataka where wood-working craft is practised
Source: Author
Different woods are used for different purposes. For furniture and architectural elements, much stronger and sturdier wood is used such as Teak and Rosewood.
Rose-wood carving is confined mainly to Mysore and Bangalore. Its products are mainly carved in a round shape. The Mysore Rosewood carving is mostly associated with the Dussehra festival. An example is the Ambari Elephant. Sandalwood carving, however, is widely spread in the region. It is used for religious idols and scented decoration.
Some wooden crafts include lampshades, baskets, trays, jewel boxes, combs, puppets, toys and even walking sticks with rosewood handles. Rosewood and Sandalwood products are very popular with tourists and are often bought as souvenirs.
Some Architectural Elements of the Wood Carving Craft in Karnataka
1. Rosewood Ceiling - Rameshwara Temple, Keladi
Source: www.Wikipedia.org
2. Wood-carved Ceiling - Bhangadeshwara Temple, Coorg
Source: Vishwas Menon
3. Legislative Assembly in Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore
Source: The Federal News
4. Huge pillars are ornately adorned in floral and geometrical patterns & mainly used in temples
5. Carved doorway frame of a traditional house
6. A Chariot for the purpose of Religious Rituals
7. Creepers and Curved leaf patterns on doorways
8. Door panel - intricate peacock & creeper designs.
9. An artisan from the Gudigar Community, polishing wooden panels intricately adorned with characters from Hindu Mythology. Source: dailyhunt.in
10. Traditional Padukas (Wooden Slippers), used as symbolic offerings to the Almighty
The craft of wood carving has been practised since ancient times. It was developed in temples. Structural wood carving is well known. These include temples and palaces with massive over door frames, bracketed pillars and arches which vary in treatment and technique.
The artisans involved in the craft is the community of Gudigars who have been working in the craft since the 1500 s, which was the period of Nayakas. The exquisite woodwork in the temples of the period was done by this community.
The Craftsmen - The Gudigar Community
The wood carving community from Karnataka are called the ‘Gudigars’, which translates to Temple Artisans. Some have come from Goa, whereas others had been brought here from Bhopal by the Nayak ruler from Keladi
The master Gudigar craftsman with his workmen
The community has continued this traditional art form since the 1500s. Their works include woodwork in temples of Ikkeri , Keladi , Togarsi and Hunchadakatte. The community mainly reside in Shivmogga & Uttar Kannada district
A Gudigar artisan with a carved panel.
They carve, paint, sculpt and mould earth to prepare the structure. The craft has been passed down within generations of the family. They follow the sacred text of the Shilp Shastra for the carving.
'Shilpa (शिल्प) refers to any art or craft in ancient Indian texts, while Shastra means science. Together, Shilpa Shastra means the science of art and crafts.'
Despite the decline of artisans, the Gudigars still dominate the field of sculpture in the State. The younger generations intend to carry the knowledge of the craft forward.
The Gudigars have shown impressive craftsmanship in the Mysore, Shivappa Nayaka palaces, and Tipu Sultan’s Palace.
Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, in Bangalore. (left)
The Elegant Palace consists of dark teak pillars and frescoes
Image Source: www.digitalkaleidoscope.inl
The interiors of the palace are constructed with Teak wood. It also has ornate wood carving patterns on the pillars. The walls are painted. The palace has been designed to receive cross ventilation, as it would usually be inhabited only during the summer months.
Shivappa Nayaka Palace, in Shimoga (right)
Image Source: www.tripoto.com
It is a two-storied building comprising a Durbar hall ("Nobel court") with massive wooden pillars and lobed arched panels. It is a rosewood-carved wooden palatial home with wooden pillars, a courtyard, Mangalore tiled roof and two narrow wooden staircases, leading to a hall with balconies. The government museum is housed here. It is a State protected Monument and is under the management of the ASI - Archaeological Survey of India.
Tools
Right angles, compass and other chisels used for making a design
2. Right angle is used for measuring wood
3. Chisel and Hammer used for carving and detail the designs on wood
Wood Carving - Techniques & Procedures
Sketch of the Required Design
2. Cut-outs of the elements to be carved
3. Artisan traces accurate measurements using tools. A curved design has been sketched on the wood.
4. Petal design marked, ready to be carved
5. The machine used to smoothen the wooden design elements, before the final detailing
6. The final details are hand chiselled by the craftsman using his uniquely honed wood carving skills.
7. The details of the almost- finished product. The designs are inspired by the Chalukyan, Hoysala & Dravidian architectural styles.
Current Status of the Craft
Presently the wood carving craft has been declining because of the decline in the number of trees. Furthermore, the artisans are moving away to pursue other professions that pay better. Despite this, as people are finding other means and methods to carve trees, the interest to continue the craft is increasing
The Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation has started a two-year certificate course in wood carving to encourage budding artisans. The Government is also taking initiative to revive the traditional crafts by setting up an art and crafts village for the locals and tourists.
Wood carving process of a circular motif with intricate detailing. It is important to encourage the artisans to continue this craft. It is a part of the cultural heritage & identity of the State.
The diminishing availability of wood is forcing artisans to diversify the wood carving scope to mainly inlay work. The businessmen working with the artisans sell the items at double the price, hence making a profit for themselves and leaving a smaller amount for the craftsmen themselves
Possible Interventions
The artisans should be provided with a platform to exhibit their crafts at national and international trade fairs and exhibitions so that they acquire advanced knowledge at the international level
Bloomed lotus for door and wall panels.
The quality detail of the designs and the craftsmanship need to be conserved & encouraged as it is an integral part of living & continued history & culture.
Conducting workshops and courses in educational institutions for interested students to raise awareness about the craft, and help spread it through their experiences. This ensures skill continuation.
Encourage entrepreneurship livelihoods for local artisans. This trains the artisans in upgrading technology, communication skills and marketing strategies
Accustoming the local artisans with the latest tools and technologies
Encourage promote the artisans for active participation in the development of the tourism of the area
Create an art village to not only promote the art, craft and craftsmen but also be able to provide a safe environment to preserve the traditional heritage
Preserving the traditional Cultural Heritage.
Promotion of handicraft & tools
Interaction and engagement of artisans of various related departments, research institutions and other artisans is a very important factor while taking steps to preserve the crafts
Picture Resources:
'Wood Carving' by Prof Baral, NID
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