India's Handicraft Economy
Woodwork and Toys
How Saharanpur's wood carving, Kashmir's walnut wood and Channapatna's lacquered toys sustain artisan clusters, and how wood supply and demand shape them.
India has rich woodcraft traditions.
Saharanpur
Saharanpur in UP is known for wood carving, making furniture and décor.
Kashmir
Walnut wood carving in Kashmir.
Channapatna
Channapatna in Karnataka makes lacquered wooden toys, with a GI tag.
Raw materials
- Restrictions on cutting certain trees limit wood supply.
- Some artisans use plantation wood like rubberwood.
Demand
Buyers want sustainable and safe products; natural dyes and lacquer help.
Challenges
Competition from plastic and imported goods.
The toy maker
A Channapatna artisan turns wooden toys on a lathe and colours them with natural lacquer.
Thinking wooden toys are outdated
Safe, natural toys attract modern buyers.
Key takeaways
- Saharanpur is known for wood carving.
- Kashmir carves walnut wood.
- Channapatna toys have a GI tag.
- Wood supply limits production.
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