Woodcraft from India

Wood has had the longest relationship with humans apart from stone. Our ancestors used it to clothe themselves, to shelter themselves and to feed themselves. With different ways of cutting and using different types of wood, people started to recognize such skills as necessary for the survival of mankind. And so various types of carpentry such as wood carvers and furniture makers came into being.

India has a very long woodcraft history with its prime time during Vijayanagar Empire southern India(1336AD). Wood craftsmen then were highly respected by the royalty because woodcraft was considered an art and a trade. Woodcrafts can be found everywhere in India, on wooden doors, posts, walls, in remote villages, in cities, in modern buildings, in temples, and one will be impressed by the wide variety of styles of this craftwork.

Woodwork carries several important implications in India. Being heavily influenced by art and literature, ebony wood was the symbol in the south, particularly among the royalties, whereas walnut was the symbol in the north. With woodcraft, legends and folklores are kept for many years. It is this element of continuity which ancient art and culture are preserved.

It is well-known that Indian craftsmen can turn wood into many other amazing wooden inventions in the world. They use wood locally found and change it into decorative objects such as cabinets, screens, tables, candleholders, boxes, trays and even toys or in a different scale houses and rooftops. The wide variety of wood sources such as sesham wood, Indian rosewood, teakwood, sandalwood and coconut tree also encourages the wide range of wooden creations in the region. With sandalwood in particular, it is considered by most Indians to be a gift from God because of its fragrance which lasts for years.

Contrast to the present rapid developments in information and technology, Indian wooden furniture still maintains its traditional way of using simple tools and processes in its production. Because of this, there is still much ethnic flavour to be found in the furniture. And also due to the way the furniture is made, Indian wooden furniture is the symbol of durability and elegance.