Wood Carving of Karnataka

Wood carving is famous in the district of Gulbarga in Karnataka. The craftsmen in Gulbarga are descendants of traditional wood carvers of Surpur. Their ancestors worked in the palaces of the Nayakas. The techniques of the craft have been passed on from one generation to another. The children are taught to make their own tools and carve out small design motifs.

The ornate wooden doors carved by these craftsmen were the symbols of a Hindu household, irrespective of the financial status. The woodcarvers are also famous for carving sculptures of deities and animal figurines and brackets. The deity is attached to the central medallion.

Teak and neem wood is used for carving with the help of chisels, hammer, drill and gouges.

The carvings are inspired by Chalukya, Hoysala, and Rastrakuta designs. Recently, metal images are used in woodwork, especially that of the deity.