Coffee table book

ROSEWOOD INLAY 

HASTA NIRMIT 

हस्त िनर्िमत

हस्त िनर्िमत 

ANKIT ANAND | SHAMBHAVI PANDEY

Ankit Anand 

Shambhavi Pandey 

Bangalore 

Copyright © NIFT 

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted 

in any form or my any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, 

or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. 

Published in November, 2017 

Semester V 

Fashion Communication, 

National Institute of Fashion Technology, 

Bangalore 

Tel. +91 98995 02212 

Email. pandey.shambhavi96@gmail.com 

Printer: Print Express

CONTENTS 

MYSURU- THE CULTURAL CAPITAL 

I. 

II. 

III. 

IV. 

V. 

VI. 

VII. 

VIII. 

THE DREAM CITY 

A Heaven For Visitors 

Demographics of Mysuru 

Cuisines 

Etemology 

Culture and Religion 

The Palaces 

Museums 

Zoological Garden & Worship Places 

ARTS AND CRAFTS 

Ganjifa Cards 

Mysuru Painting 

Wood Carving 

Sandalwood 

ROSEWOOD INLAY 

Down The Generations 

From the Beginning of Time 

Demographics of Rosewood Craftsmen 

Geographical Indication 

PRODUCTS 

MOTIFS 

TOOLS 

IN THE MAKING 

ARTISANS

PREFACE 

India being one of the diverse countries in the world, is blessed with lot of arts and craft. To visit and learn 

about one of those heavenly creatives our country possess, from the land of Sandalwood, land of perfumery 

there exists Rosewood Inlay. 

The book "HASTA NIRMIT" focusing from a hunting eye of craft lovers, goes through a visitation opinions from 

the township to the artisans life. Creative deliverence of procedure, tools, motifs, etc has been conferred.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

This documentation was supported by National Institute of Fashion Technology, Bengaluru. I thank my colleagues 

who provided insight and expertise that greatly assisted the documentation, although they may not 

agree with all of the interpretations of this book. 

I thank Navneet Kaur and Niteesh Kumar for their assistance and comments that greatly improved the manuscript. 

I would also like to show our gratitude to Mr. K.C. Prashanth, Associate Professor, National Institute of Fashion 

Technology, for sharing his pearls of wisdom with us during the course of this documentation. I am also 

immensely grateful to Mr. Sanjeev C.M., Assistant Professor, National Institute of Fashion Technology, for his 

comments on an earlier version of the manuscript, although any errors are my own and should not tarnish 

the reputations of these esteemed persons.

INTRODUCTION OF MYSURU HERITAGE 

Arts and crafts of Karnataka have 

always been an inseparable part 

of people’s life. Karnataka is among 

those states that still employ traditional 

methods for producing their arts and 

crafts. In yesteryears as well, Karnataka 

has been the hallmark of excellence in 

craftsmanship. They are living examples 

portraying the skills that the people of 

that era possessed. 

Mysore established a unique and 

distinctive form of painting in 17th and 

18th centuries. Over the years, this form 

of painting has become popular by the 

name “Mysore school of Painting”. This 

type of painting was at its zenith during 

the reign of Maharaja Krishnaraja 

Wodeyar lll. 

Traditionally, Mysore painting is 

normally done on paper pasted on cloth 

or wood. After the sketch is made, a 

distinctive relief work called Gesso is 

done in the areas where jewellery and 

other ornamentations are to be painted. 

Gesso is done to enhance these area. 

These areas are later covered with 24k 

gold leaf and then the painting gives 

the final touches. After the painting 

is complete, it is allowed to dry 

thoroughly. Then a thin paper is placed 

on top of it and rubbed with the soft 

smooth stone to enhance the richness in 

the relief work done with gold foil. 

In the early days, artists used vegetable 

dyes and mineral colours and prepared 

all the materials they required 

In Mysore, the Ganjifa creation is 

practiced in the city at Vidyaranyapuram 

Gokulam, Ashoka road, Srirangapatnam 

in Mandya district. In Bangalore, 

it is practiced in Ulsoor, Srinagar, 

Hanumanthanagar, vijayanagar, 

jaynagar and HAL post. Earlier it was 

played only by Muslims because of 

subject of these carder related to the 

Islam religion, but later the Hindu kings 

invented and popularized their versions 

with the Hindu deities. This game first 

became popular at court, later it spread 

to general public. 

The growth of the silk industry 

in the Kingdom of Mysore was first 

initiated during the reign of Tipu Sultan. 

Later it was hit by a global depression, 

and competition from imported silk 

and rayon. In the second half of the 

20th century, it revived and the Mysore 

State became the top multi voltine silk 

producer in India. 

Karnataka produces 9,000 metric 

tons of mulberry silk of a total of 14,000 

metric tons produced in the country, 

thus contributing to nearly 70% of 

the country’s total mulberry silk. In 

Karnataka, silk is mainly grown in the 

Mysore district. 

Traditional clothing like saree and 

dhothi is used, only on special occasions 

like festivals, weddings etc. Young 

men prefer wearing western trousers 

instead of traditional dhoti. Young girls 

too prefer to wear the salwar-kameez 

instead of the traditional lehnga (long 

skirt) and dhavani (half saree). However 

the older generation continues to wear 

traditional clothing namely the saree and 

dhoti. Mysore is famous for its silks. 

Silk sarees continue to be a favourite 

among women of all generations. 

There is more to Mysore cuisine 

than the famous dosa and idli that is 

well known all over the world as the 

food of the South. Though idli and dosa 

form an important part of the cuisine of 

Mysore but the different types of dosas 

and idlis and chutneys compliment 

them. The most distinctive Mysore 

dish is the famous “Bisi Bele Bath” a 

sumptuous combination of rice, lentils, 

tamarind, dried coconut, chilli powder 

and spices. 

• Census 2011, District Census 

Handbook, Mysore

Ganjifa Cards, Mysuru, India

PART 1 

THE DREAM CITY

Earlier to first November, 1975, 

Karnataka State was known 

as Mysore. Mysore city is now the 

headquarters of the district and the 

Revenue Division. 

The city is famous for the Dasara 

festival which is celebrated with 

pomp and gaiety annually during the 

Navaratri. Mysore district is not only 

rich in antiquarian remains but also 

enjoys the distinction of yielding the 

largest number of inscriptions among 

the districts of the state. Activity of 

the pre - historic man is noticeable, 

particularly in the alluvial plains of the 

river valleys like those of the Cauvery 

and its tributaries. The earliest mention 

of Mysore in recorded history may be 

traced to 245 B.C., i.e., to the period of 

Asoka when on the conclusion of the 

third Buddhist convocation, a team was 

despatched to ‘Mahisha-mandala’ for 

propagating Buddhism. 

Simply Mysuru... 

Is a must see city 

Dasara Festival 

Wodeyars 

Palaces 

This is a raw, obviously different 

between other historical cities and the 

other visual and folk arts.

A HEAVEN FOR VISITORS 

IS A MUST SEE CITY 

A city of palaces, people and smells, the 

princely city of Mysuru is worth a visit 

whatever the month or season. Mysuru 

is a dream city that never lets down the 

visitors with its clean, light and easy going 

environment. A Mysuru overview, highlight 

its cultural traditions. Mysuru is well 

connected through road and rail networks 

with other parts of Karnataka and India. 

Steeped in tradition, Mysuru is located at 

the epicentre of Indian history, culture, and 

timeless elegance. The city of Mysuru, once 

the capital of the former Mysore state, is now 

the cultural and tourist centre of the expanded 

Karnataka State. Mysore officially renamed 

as Mysuru, is the second most populous and 

the third largest city in the state of Karnataka, 

India. Located in the foothills of the 

Chamundi Hills about 146 km southwest of 

the state capital Bengaluru, it is spread across 

an area of 128.42 km2. 

DASARA FESTIVAL 

The city is famous for the Dasara festival 

which is celebrated with pomp and gaiety 

annually during the Navaratri (September- 

October). The festival attracts tourists from 

all over the country and abroad in large 

numbers to witness Jambo Savari - the chief 

attraction. Besides, the city is also famous for 

its nearby Brindavan Gardens that are laid 

out at Krishnarajasagar Reservoir. Among 

many others to be first in, Mysore was the 

location of the first private radio station in 

India. Mysore University is headquartered in 

Mysore, which has produced several notable 

scientists, authors, politicians, actors, singers, 

and sportsmen. 

WODEYARS 

The Wodeyars whose roots trace back to 

Dvaraka, Gujarat’s Yadava community came 

to Karnataka and settled in Mysore getting 

enthralled by its natural beauty. Starting with 

Yaduraya Wodeyar who founded the Wodeyar 

dynasty in 1399, the Yadavas ruled the area 

for around six centuries. He was first to build 

a palace within Mysore’s Old Fort in the 14th 

century, but that was dismantled and built 

several times later. Immediately after the 

death of Tipu Sultan in May 1799, Maharaja 

Krishnaraja Wadiyar III made Mysore his 

capital and eventually came under the control 

of the British. The spelling of the royal name 

of the dynasty was changed to Wadiyar from 

Wodeyar by his successors. 

PALACES 

In 1897 the wooden palace was destroyed 

by fire while the wedding ceremony of His 

Highness Rajarshi Krishnaraja Wodeyar 

IV’s eldest sister, Princess Jayalakshmi 

Ammani was taking place. That year itself 

the young monarch and his mother, Her 

Majesty Maharani Vani Vilas Sannidhna, 

regent of Mysore, delegated Lord Henry 

Irwin, a British architect, to construct a new 

palace. In 1912 the construction of the palace 

was completed at a cost of Rs. 4147913. 

It was expanded in 1940 under the rule of 

last Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore, 

Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar. 

MYSURU | हस्त िनर्िमत

13 | THE DREAM CITY 

Scene of clock tower with people 

activity in Mysuru 

This is a heart soothing picture from 

the unique tradition and representaion 

of Mysuru. Over the years Mysore has 

become a cosmopolitan city with people 

from different walks of life living together 

peacefully. One finds people from different 

parts of the country, speaking different 

languages, celebrating different festivals all 

co-existing peacefully. Though Mysore has 

become a modern city it has not lost touch 

with its tradition and culture.

DEMOGRAPHICS OF MYSURU 

Mysore city has a population of 

887,446, consisting of 443,813 

males and 443,633 females, making 

it the second most populous city in 

Karnataka. The gender ratio of the 

city is 1000 females to every 1000 

males and the population density 

is 6,910.5 per square kilometre. 

According to the census of 2001, 

73.65% of the city population is 

Hindus, 21.92% are Muslims, 2.71% 

are Christians, 1.13% are Jains 

and the remaining belongs to other 

religions. The literacy rate of the city is 

86.84 per cent, which is higher than 

the state’s average of 75.6 per cent. 

Kannada is the most widely spoken 

language in the city. The residents 

of the city are known as Mysoreans 

in English and Mysoorinavaru in 

Kannada.

CUISINES 

Mysore is in the south India and like all 

the other states in this part of the country, 

most of the food is rice based. Due to 

climatic conditions and other habitat 

conditions, the people residing in this 

belt, prefer eating rice, there is more to 

Mysore cuisine that the famous Dosa 

and Idly that is well Known all over the 

world as the food of south. Traditional 

Mysore Breakfast is simple, wholesome 

and delicious. 

A traditional lunch of Mysore is a 

splendid spread that includes a number 

essential dish. These included a cereal 

salad like kosambri, palyas (vegetable 

salads made of parboiled vegetable 

chopped finely and toasted with grated 

fresh coconut, green chilies, curry 

leaves, and mustard seasoning), gojju (a 

vegetable cooked in tamarind juice with 

chilli powder), tovve (cooked dal without 

much seasoning), huli or saaru (a thick 

broth of lentils and vegetables cooked 

together with ground coconut, spices, 

tamarind and chilli powder and pappad. 

To complete a delicious meal, unique 

sweets of Mysore like chiroti (a light 

flaky pastery made of flour, sprinkled 

with powdered sugar and soaked in 

almond milk), Mysore pak (gram flour 

fudge), obbattu or holige (a flat, waferthin 

chappati filled with a mixture of 

jiggery, dried coconut and fried gently 

on a skillet) and shavigepayasa (made 

of milk, vermicelli, sugar, dried fruits 

and cardamom pods) are available in the 

scrumptious city. 

15 | THE DREAM CITY

ETYMOLOGY 

According to a legend, the name 

‘Mysore’ is said to be derived from 

‘MAHISHASURA’. In Sanskrit 

‘Mahisha’ means a buffalo. There is 

a popular story to substantiate the 

association of a buffalo with the city’s 

name. He was very cruel and took 

pleasure in torturing the Devas and 

the Rishis living in the hermitages. 

Thereupon, Parvathi assumed the 

responsibility by waging a war and 

finally killed the Asura. Later, the ruling 

family of the Wodeyars of Mysore 

adopted Mahishasura Mardini, as their 

family goddess. Then this place was 

named as Mahishapura, later became 

Mahisaru, and finally came to be 

anglicised as Mysore by the British 

and Maisaru/Mysuru in the vernacular 

Kannada language. 


CULTURE AND RELIGION 

COSTUME 

Traditional clothing like saree 

and dhothi is used. Young men prefer 

wearing western trousers instead of 

traditional dhoti. Young girls too prefer 

to wear the salwar-kameez instead of 

the traditional lehnga and dhavani. 

The older generation continues to wear 

traditional clothing namely the saree and 

dhoti. Mysore is famous for its silks. Silk 

sarees continue to be a favourite among 

women of all generations. 


RELIGION 

Mysore comprises of a vast 

population of Hindus, Muslims, and 

Jains, representing the rich cultural 

traditions of the Mysuru. Mysore boasts 

of a rich indigenous culture which 

bears relics of the variety of religious 

communities of the place. 

LANGUAGES 

The most predominantly used 

languages in Mysore consist of 

Kannada, Tamil, English and Hindi. 

Since many people from other states are 

also gathering here for work, so Hindi 

language is also gaining importance and 

is now being used by a large section of 

the population. Kannada is the official 

language of the state.

Mysore has been a city where all 

religions have co-existed in harmony 

for many centuries. Even when Mysore 

was culturally at its zenith under the 

Vijayanagar Empire and the Wodeyars 

the rulers always encourage all religious 

and culture without any discrimination. 

Over the years Mysore has become a 

cosmopolitan city with people from 

different walks of life living together 

peacefully. In Mysore people practicing 

different faiths live harmoniously. This 

has helped the city developed. The 

people of Mysore take part in each other 

festival and celebration. The kings of 

Mysore have laid a strong foundation for 

communal harmony by making generous 

contributions towards religious centers of 

all religions. 

The Hindu community is the largest 

living community in the city. Muslim 

forms another prominent community in 

the city and there is a sizeable population 

of Jains as well. One finds people from 

different part of the country, speaking 

different languages, celebrating different 

festivals all co-existing peacefully. 

Though Mysore has become a modern it 

has not lost touch with its tradition and 

culture. 

The ultimate expression of culture unity 

is witnessed during the 10 days long 

Dassara Festivities that is synonymous 

with Mysore. Now the royal elephant 

carries the golden ideal of goddess 

Chamundi in the splendid procession 

through the street of the Mysore. 

Though Mysore has become a modern 

city and has all the comfort of modern 

development, this city has managed to 

retain all its old-world charm. 


The festival that rejoices the victory 

of good over evil. The demon 

Mahisashura was slain by the goddess 

Chamundeshwari and incarnation of 

goddess Parvati or Durga. The other 

name for the celebration is Navrati (9 

nights) and Vijaydashmi (victorious 10th 

day) bring about auspicious time for 

victory and prosperity. 

According to Hindu mythology in 

Ramayana, Dassara marks the puja 

for goddess Durga which lord Ram 

performed to acquire strength to fight 

Ravan. On the 7th day of Dassara marks 

the beginning of Saraswati pooja, prayer 


offered to the goddess of learning and 

knowledge. On this day, all the musical 

instruments and learning materials are 

worshipped. 

On the 8th day, Durga Astami pooja is 

performed. According to the legend of 

Mahabhrata, pandavas used the Banni 

tree to hide their arms during their 

one-year period of Agnatavasa (living 

life incognito). Before undertaking 

any warfare, the kings traditionally 

worshipped this tree to help them emerge 

victorious. On the 9th day, Ayuda pooja, 

prayer offering to all the instruments, 

machinery and vehicles. The 10th day 

marks the Vijaya Dashami, many new 

ventures and occasions are celebrated on 

this day as it is very auspicious.


MYSURU | HASTAKALA

KRS Road 

DC Office 

101 

Ganesha 

Circle 

Foun 

KSRTC Depot 

Highway Circle 

Hunsur Road 

Premier 

Studio 

All India Radio 

Railway 

Station 

Vishveshwara 

Circle 

Open Air Theatre 

Kukkarahalli Lake 

Kalamandira 

Universe 

Office 

KR Hospital 

Sayyaji 

Rao Road 

Jaganmohan 

Palace 

G 

S 

Chamaraja 

Double Road 

Siddappa 

Square 

Agrahara 

Circle 

Nanju Malige 

Circle 

Chamundipuram 

Circle 

Lingambudi Lake

Bangalore Road 

Main Road 

Ring Road 

Places 

Railway Track 

Tippu Circle 

Chamundi Hill 

Lakes 

tain Circle 

Ashoka 

Road 

St. Philomena’s 

Church 

Ambedkar Circle 

Ring Road 

andhi 

quare 

Clock 

Tower 

KSRTC 

Bus Station 

Chamundi Vihar Stadium 

Malai Mahadeshwara Road 

Ambavilasa 

Palace 

Gun House 

Dasara 

Exhibition Ground 

Sri Chamarajendra 

zoological garden 

Karanji Lake 

Wax Museum 

Jockey Quarters Circle 

Teresiam College 

Circle 

T. Narasipura 

Road 

Chamundi Hill Road 

Lalitha Mahal Palace 

Sand Museum 

Nanjangud-Ooty Road 

Race Course 

Planet-X 

Rajendra Vilasa 

Palace 

Chamundi Hill 

Map of Mysuru 

The map shows must visit and most 

important places of the city. Being the 

cultural capital of Karnataka, Mysuru has 

stood up to the expectations of having wide 

range of historical and cultural places on its 

platter.

THE PALACES 

The palace is a three-storey stone 

structure made with fine granite, 

grey in colour, having deep pink 

marble stones atop and a five-storey 

tower measuring 145 ft. The size of 

the palace measures 245 ft. by 156 

ft. Designs of the domes illustrate 

Indo-Saracenic architecture which 

was applied by the British architects 

in British India during the late 19th 

century. It incorporates elements from 

Indian, Indo-Islamic, Neo-Classical 

and Gothic revival styles. Three gates 

of the compound lead to the palace 

- the front gate (more specifically 

the East Gate) opens for the VVIPs 

and otherwise during the Dasara; 

the South Gate is designated for 

general public; and the West Gate 

normally remains open in Dasara. 

Apart from these the cellar of the 

palace has many secret tunnels that 

lead to several confidential areas 

and other places like the town of 

Srirangapatna. Several fancy arches 

adorn the façade of the building with 

two smaller arches on either side 

of the central one that is supported 

with long pillars. A sculpture of the 

goddess of good luck, prosperity 

and wealth, Gajalakshmi, with her 

elephants is seated a top the central 

arch. The palace facing Chamundi 

Hills is a manifestation of the 

devotion of the Maharajas of Mysore 

towards Goddess Chamundi. The 

emblem and coat of arms of the 

Mysore Kingdom adorns the entrance 

gate and arch. A large, beautiful and 

well-maintained garden surrounding 

the palace makes the site even more 

spectacular.

Lalitha Mahalur 

Jaganmohana Palace 

Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion 

25 | THE DREAM CITY

THE MUSEUMS 

Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum 

Rail Museum 

Wax Museum - Melody World 


THE MYSURU ZOO & WORSHIP PLACES 

Mysuru Zoo 

Chamundi Hill 

St. Philomena's Church 

27 | THE DREAM CITY

PART 2 

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Art and Handicrafts of Mysuru 

reflects the rich heritage and 

cultural aura of the city which includes 

a diversified range of aspects like 

paintings, yoga and silk textiles. 

Derived from the past centuries the 

arena of arts in Mysore speaks of the 

maharajas who developed the tradition 

of paintings, architecture, poetry and 

other creative works in the place. 

Mysore imbibe a fresh source of life 

and enthusiasm into the inner-self of 

the people. 

The tradition of Mysore yoga is one 

of the oldest ones in India. Being 

practiced by many a notable figures, 

the ashanas involved in the yoga of 

Mysore are known to have a soothing 

effect on the mind and body. A kind 

of meditation the yoga postures of

GANJIFA CARD 

Ganjifa is the name given to an ancient 

Indian card game. Historically this 

game is believed to have been brought 

to India and popularized during the 

Moghul period. Quite aptly the name 

Ganjifa comes from the Persian word 

“Ganjifeh” which means playing cards. 

The specialty of these cards is that they 

are traditionally hand-painted. The cards 

are typically circular although some 

rectangular decks have been produced. 

This was a game that was popular and 

played across Medieval India. Each 

region in the country had its own form of 

the game. 

Mysore Ganjifa was extensively 

patronized by the Mysore Royal Family 

– The Woodyear Kings. Given that the 

main aim of the game was to teach, 

learn and tell stories from our ancient 

scriptures and holy books, all the 18 

games in the Mysore Ganjifa Style were 

set to stories and shlokas from the Hindu 

Purana’s, stories from the Ramayana, 

Mahabharata etc. The Dashavatara 

Ganjifa which is a series based on the 10 

different forms of the Hindu God Vishnu 

was the most popular of the 18 Ganjifa 

games and is the best known to this day. 

The Dashavatara Ganjifa has a set of 120 

different playing cards. 


MYSORE PAINTING 

Mysore Painting is a form of classical 

South Indian painting, which evolved in 

the Mysore city of Karnataka. Quite like 

the Tanjore Paintings, Mysore Paintings 

of India make use of thinner gold leaves 

and require much more hard work. The 

most popular themes of these paintings 

include Hindu Gods and Goddesses and 

scenes from Hindu mythology. Many 

steps are involved in the process of 

producing a Mysore painting. 

The first step requires the artist to make 

31 | ARTS AND CRAFTS 

a preliminary sketch of the image on the 

base. Thereafter, a paste of zinc oxide 

and Arabic gum, is made. This paste is 

used to give a slightly raised effect of 

carving to those parts of the painting 

that require embellishments and can dry. 

Then, gold foil is pasted onto the surface. 

The rest of the painting is prepared 

with the help of watercolors. After the 

painting is fully dried, it is covered with 

a thin paper and rubbed lightly with 

a smooth soft stone In the traditional 

Mysore paintings, all the inputs were 

made by the artists, including brushes, 

paints, board, gold foil, etc. Instead of 

the poster colors and watercolors of 

today, vegetable and mineral colors 

were used. Even the base was formed of 

paper, wood, wall and cloth, rather than 

the sole cartridge paper base used now. 

The sketches were made with the help 

of charcoal. The brushes were made of 

different materials, like squirrel hair, 

camel hair, goat hair, etc.

WOOD CARVING 

Ganjifa is the name given to an ancient 

Indian card game. Historically this 

game is believed to have been brought 

to India and popularized during the 

Moghul period. Quite aptly the name 

Ganjifa comes from the Persian word 

“Ganjifeh” which means playing cards. 

The specialty of these cards is that they 

are traditionally hand-painted. The cards 

are typically circular although some 

rectangular decks have been produced. 

This was a game that was popular and 

played across Medieval India. Each 

region in the country had its own form of 

the game. 

Mysore Ganjifa was extensively 

patronized by the Mysore Royal Family 

– The Woodyear Kings. Given that the 

main aim of the game was to teach, 

learn and tell stories from our ancient 

scriptures and holy books, all the 18 

games in the Mysore Ganjifa Style were 

set to stories and shlokas from the Hindu 

Purana’s, stories from the Ramayana, 

Mahabharata etc. The Dashavatara 

Ganjifa which is a series based on the 10 

different forms of the Hindu God Vishnu 

was the most popular of the 18 Ganjifa 

games and is the best known to this day. 

The Dashavatara Ganjifa has a set of 120 

different playing cards. 


SANDAL 

Mysore Painting is a form of classical 

South Indian painting, which evolved in 

the Mysore city of Karnataka. Quite like 

the Tanjore Paintings, Mysore Paintings 

of India make use of thinner gold leaves 

and require much more hard work. The 

most popular themes of these paintings 

include Hindu Gods and Goddesses and 

scenes from Hindu mythology. Many 

steps are involved in the process of 

producing a Mysore painting. 

The first step requires the artist to make 

a preliminary sketch of the image on the 

33 | ARTS AND CRAFTS 

base. Thereafter, a paste of zinc oxide 

and Arabic gum, is made. This paste is 

used to give a slightly raised effect of 

carving to those parts of the painting 

that require embellishments and can dry. 

Then, gold foil is pasted onto the surface. 

The rest of the painting is prepared 

with the help of watercolors. After the 

painting is fully dried, it is covered with 

a thin paper and rubbed lightly with 

a smooth soft stone In the traditional 

Mysore paintings, all the inputs were 

made by the artists, including brushes, 

paints, board, gold foil, etc. Instead of 

the poster colors and watercolors of 

today, vegetable and mineral colors 

were used. Even the base was formed of 

paper, wood, wall and cloth, rather than 

the sole cartridge paper base used now. 

The sketches were made with the help 

of charcoal. The brushes were made of 

different materials, like squirrel hair, 

camel hair, goat hair, etc.

PART 3 

ROSEWOOD INLAY

Rosewood inlay craft belongs 

to the Persians and their 

artsy approach towards the craft 

amazed the Mysore Maharajas 

and therefore, demanded 

gateways with rosewood inlay, 

thrones etc. In Persia, following 

their Islamic religion, they carved 

only floral and foliage motifs in 

their inlays but in India there are 

a lot of birds, elephants, human 

figures and sceneries. The main 

motifs and patterns comprise of 

palace motifs. The main elements 

are majorly formed with lines, 

with the occasional use of a dot 

at the focal point of the main 

motif. The floral motifs are 

intricately linked with each other 

in small units.

DOWN THE 

GENERATIONS 

This is a craft involving tedious play with 

wood. The British writers have mentioned the 

existence of thousands of workers in Mysore 

involved in inlaying etched ivory motifs into 

rosewood to create intricate woodwork. Even 

now an estimated four thousand people in 

Mysore are involved in rosewood inlay work 

though other media like plastic have replaced 

ivory. 

The intricate work involves many stages. 

The first step is to design and draw the images 

and patterns on the rosewood. Then the 

rosewood is cut into proper shape by carpentry. 

The motifs that are be inlayed are then carefully 

hand cut to shape. The areas, the motifs 

that should be inlayed on the rosewood, are 

carefully scooped out. The motifs are inlayed 

and fixed. The wood is then smoothened using 

sand paper and polished to give a bright look. 

Most of the rosewood inlay work takes place in 

a village near Mysore known as Karakushala 

nagara and Mandi Mohalla. 


MYSURU | HASTAKALA


FROM THE 

BEGINNING OF 

TIME 

An Ivory and Rosewood Inlay pillar 

next to a door in the Mysore palace 

Wood inlay is an ancient craft, in which a 

solid body of a material, like a rosewood 

plank is scooped out to receive sections of 

natural, multihued wood pieces, to form a 

decorative surface pattern. 

39 | ROSEWOOD INLAY 

The history begins during the 

18th century, when the Maharaja 

started patronizing the artisans who 

were reckoned to have settled first 

in Srirangapatna during the period 

of Hayder Ali and Tipu Sultan 

subsequently. The Wadiyars to whom 

the Mysore kingdom was restored by 

the British continued to encourage 

them. The artisans generally got 

inspired from local flora and fauna 

and from local tradition and included 

mostly geometric patterns. In the 

past, the artisans used to carve using 

deer horn, the wooden doors of the 

Dariya Daulat Baagh in Srirangapatna 

and the Amba villas palace in 

Mysore are the best examples of 

these. The first firm to mass produce 

the rosewood inlay work dates to 

1870 named Yousaf ali and sons. It 

specialized in making caskets and 

wooden frames which were in high 

demand at that time. A study of the 

wooden inlay work by the Mysore 

based ‘Handicrafts marketing and 

service center’ points that the craft 

was reeling under crisis due to 

the lack of orders until a cigarette 

company reckoned to be promoting 

the elephant brand, placed bulk 

orders for marketing its products and 

this was when elephants and wild 

animals first emerged in the wood 

inlays. In the early 1900s, Chamara 

jendra technical institute make 

experiments with the traditional inlay 

patterns and mythology was also 

in introduced alongside geometric 

patterns. Artisans Mir Showkat Ali 

is credited with introducing country 

side scenes into the craft, which 

boosted the popularity of the wood 

inlay works. The study report points 

out that from a mere 2 units that was 

their producing wood inlay works in 

the early 1940s, it increased to 65 in 

1960s while their numbers peaked in 

the 1980s and 1990s with as many as 

300 units manufacturing them. 

The genesis of the craft is traced 

to the family of Mirza Zainulla Abidi 

who had migrated to Srirangapatna 

from Persia during Tipu’s reign. 

Abidi’s son Yusuf Ali opened the 

first inlay workshop, Yusuf Ali & 

amp; Sons, at Mandi Mohalla in 

Mysore, in 1870. The legacy lives on 

continuously from then.

DEMOGRAPHICS OF ROSEWOOD ARTISANS 

Total number of registered artisans is 

2017 and there are about 3000 artisans 

in this craft cluster, in which number of 

Muslim population is 1000-1500 and 

rest are Hindus working in a superb 

harmony. There are about 1000 active 

female artisans. They speak languages 

such as Kannada, Tamil, Hindi and little 

bit English. The overall area spread is 

18.11 acres of land. Number of living 

cum work sheds provided to the eligible 

and deserving artisans is 480 which 

was given on a term of 27 years at 

an EMI of Rs.62.There is a common 

facility centre established known as 

“Multicraft Complex”. These artisans 

are paid on daily basis; male artisans are 

paid Rs.500-600 while lady artisans are 

paid only Rs.200-300. The education 

of this community is a matter of critical 

thinking because most of the artisans are 

educated up to 8th-10th standard only. 

Very few artisans have higher studies. 

Local administration i.e. DCH office 

and Cauvery Handicrafts Artisan Co- 

Operative Society (Ltd.) are the bodies 

which facilitates artisans. DCH office 

is the administration which handles 

insurance and artisans cards. It covers an 

insurance of Rs.10,000 for every artisan. 

It is also working for public welfare by 

giving an eight day training program 

cum job guarantee to unemployed people 

of the city. Every year a state awardee 

is chosen based on competition and is 

awarded along with Rs.25,000. Annual 

exports from the district amount to Rs.20 

crores. 


GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION 

Scene of elephants stacked in displays 

The Karnataka State Handicraft Development Corporation Ltd proposed the registration of 

Mysore Rosewood Inlay under the Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999, to the Office of 

the Controller-General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, Chennai, to make it exclusive to the 

manufacturers of Mysore Rosewood Inlays whose design and material represent region to use 

the name Mysore. It was granted the Geographical Indication status, three years later, in 2005. 

41 | ROSEWOOD INLAY

PART 4 

PRODUCTS 


The product portfolio ranges 

from flat wall hanging art 

pieces, made by inlaying chips of 

coloured wood into thin planks 

of rosewood, to intricate inlay on 

jewelry box, small idols to huge 

elephants. Design interventions 

in terms of functionality as well 

as aesthetic of the products have 

happened in last few years due 

to the increasing export market. 

After the ivory ban, artisans have 

found substitute materials like 

acrylic and mother of pearl to 

give the inlay works an exclusive 

- expensive look and feel. 

Range of products varies from 

expensive dining and coffee table 

sets and "jhula" to cheaper wall 

hangings, coasters, and paper 

weights. 

Occasionally craftsmen come 

together and produce items that 

create a bench mark for others. 

One such product is a five ton 

Elephant in Cauvery Emporium 

made out of only Roosewood and 

Mother of pearls. 

MYSURU | HASTAKALA


MYSURU | HASTAKALA 

Export House of a Small Independent Practitioner 

Named Geetha Fine Arts 

The owner of this place is Mr. Subba Rao who's family has 

been practicing Rosewood Inlay for the past four generations. 

Most of the products made here are sold to the Cauvery 

Emporium in Mysuru, or sold by independent retailers all 

over the city. The price range is very different from other 

independent practitioners such as Arun Fine Arts who sell their 

products as luxury items.

A complete set of dining table with 

eight chairs. 

The counter top alone takes nearly a month 

to be completed, while one artisan works on 

the table, two artisans replicate designs on 

chairs to speed up the process. The entire set 

costs around seven lakhs. 


A leisure furniture known as "Jhula" 

is placed in the patio or porch of the house 

where members sit together and ejoy tea 

or weather or each others' company. The 

examples of highly intricate work usually cost 

around three to four and a half lakhs. 

47 | PRODUCTS

Elephants of Mysuru 

Elephants are known to be the symbol 

of culture and power all over Karnataka, 

especially in Mysuru. People say the symbol 

of elephants is used in this craft due to the 

grand elephants on the Karnataka borders, 

some say its due to their association with 

power, while others say its due to one 

packaging project the rosewood inlay 

artisans received which saved many peoples 

life while the craft was on the verge of dying, 

the company was a cigarette brand who's 

identity was of an elephant. 


The combination of wood carving and 

rosewood inlay is one of the most popular 

designs that float the markets of Mysuru. The 

are generally used as showpieces and gifted 

to loved ones. Some people tend to keep 

these idols in the "pooja ghar"(worship place 

in the house). 

49 | PRODUCTS

Religion has played a very 

important role in India 

Most of the arts and crafts have inculcated 

religion in their designs, because one, its 

the most drawing factor for most people, 

and two, religions have given artisans with n 

number of designs for their respective craft 

forms. 


Stand for Quran 

This design is a very beautiful and 

empathetic piece of art, known to be one of 

the best sellers for Geetha Fine Arts. 

51 | PRODUCTS

PART 5 

MOTIFS

The motifs usually comprise 

of palatial silhouettes along 

with flora and fauna. The 

main elements of the motifs 

are usually formed with lines. 

The overall patterns or designs 

in rosewood inlay has seven 

sections. The very first section 

comprises of either floral motifs 

or animals motifs.These animals 

are elephants or horses. The 

second section comprises of 

floral motifs. The third sections 

comprises of a mixture of animal 

and floral motifs. The consecutive 

two sections comprises of a 

double lined thin border and 

the last section comprises of 

central floral section which 

must comprise senes from 

Dussera. Now a days a lot of 

contemporary subjects have 

surfaced in the current scenario 

due to customers demands. The 

treatement of figures has shifted 

to a more global perspective.

Folliage 

Most designs for early rosewood inlay 

artisans were taken from islamic architectural 

structures, where there is an extensive use of 

flora and folliage. 


Bells 

One of the most repitative designs on 

elephants are bells. Bells in India are one 

of the most domestic items which were tied 

around an animal's neck to enable tracking 

them down, just in case they strayed away. 

55 | MOTIFS

Flora 

Stylised flowers depict the delicate nature of 

this craft. 


57 | MOTIFS 

Flora 

A combination of flower and other motifs on 

tusk of elephant

Step by step 

Above is a broken down design which is 

inlayed or patched together to form one 

motif. 


59 | MOTIFS 

Embellem 

The first motif is the embellem of the 

Wodeyar Dynasty.

PART 6 

TOOLS

From the beginning of time, 

humans have learnt to 

use things available in their 

surroundings for their aid. Be it 

the stone age, where humans 

learnt to use the stones around 

them to fight, hunt and build, or 

be it todays scenario where we 

are still looking for things in our 

surroundings to make our tasks 

easy. 

Similarly, Craftsmen practicing 

rosewood inlay started with using 

deer horns, sharpened granite 

tools etc to scoop parts of wood 

from the base. Ivory being the 

symbol of power, grandeur and 

status, was used as the external 

material used to fix in the 

scooped out parts. 

With extensive exploitation of 

deer and elephants for ivory, the 

forest department banned the 

use of the same. Craftsmen 

practicing this craft for 

generations did not have any 

other option than to find a 

substitute for both tools and inlay 

material. With the advancements 

in technology, over time, 

Craftsmen came up with tools 

that were customised to their 

use, from hand saw to patta(flat 

hammer) new tools were brought 

to use.

Arrangement 

An arrangement of tools done by artisans to 

show the old collection which represents their 

legacy. 


63 | TOOLS 

One by one 

The tools are stored with utmost respect and 

care by all the artists working in a premise. 

It is stored properly and organised before 

resting for the day.

1. Hand Driller 

2. Compass 

3. Hand Vice (Plasse) 

4. Hammer 

5. Screw Driver 

6. Nails 


7. Hammer (Suttige) 

8. Plier 

9. Miter Plane (Atri) 

10. Patta 

11. Straight Wooden Hammer 

12. Wax 

65 | TOOLS

13. Filer 

14. Brush 

15. Bow 

16. Chisel 

17. Hand Vice 

18. Chisel 


19. Sand Paper 

20. Buffer 

21. Wood Cutting Machine 

22. Pencil 

23. Driller 

24. Machine for Sharpening Tools 

67 | TOOLS

PART 6 

MAKING PROCESS 


The workplaces of the artisans 

do not look minimal at 

all. It is always full of raw 

materials,completed artefacts 

and tools. Teamwork is at the 

core of this craft because there 

are always minimum two-three 

people working in a same 

venue. The overall process can 

be divided into seven different 

parts and each and every part 

is done by only one or different 

craftsperson who are specialised 

in their specific parts. This 

helps in maintaining the quality 

of work, as each craft person 

specializes in his work and gains 

experience over a period of time. 

However there are also craftsmen 

who are good in doing all the 

process alone. 

MYSURU | HASTAKALA

THE MAKING PROCESS INCLUDES 

Purchasing of 

raw materials 

Cutting of wood 

Carpentry of 

wood in desired 

shape or design 

Hand cutting and 

shaping of motifs 

Sand 

papering/Filling 

Engraving the 

details 


Seasoning of 

wood 

Designing and 

drawing 

Scooping the 

exact pattern 

Fixing and 

inlaying 

Filling the Inlay 

with black 

Charcoal 

Final finish is 

polishing 

71 | MAKING PROCESS

Purchasing of raw materials 

Cutting of wood 

Seasoning of wood 


Carpentry of wood in desired shape 

Designing and drawing 

73 | MAKING PROCESS

Filling of Carved Wood 

Design to cut 

Designing and Drawing Motifs 


Cutting out the Motifs for Inlay 

Arrangin the Motifs according to 

the Drawing 

Applying glue to paste on wood 

75 | MAKING PROCESS

Marking the place for exact 

Inlaying 

Scooping the exact place for Inlaying 

Scooping the exact place for Inlaying 


Applying Glue for pasting 

Fitting the Motifs on Rosewood 

Removing the wood defect 

77 | MAKING PROCESS

Filling to level wood and 

tmotifs 

Scratching to level wood and motifs 

Scratched to level wood and motifs 


Applying Black Charcoal for details 

and polishing 

FINAL PRODUCT 

79 | MAKING PROCESS

Artisans are blessed with 

conveniently located 

workshops provided by 

government – which are nearby 

or in their homes – their biggest 

challenge is their inadequate 

income, due to which the 

upcoming generations are 

alienating this inherited craft in 

order to take up better paying 

jobs to support their families. 

he demand for rosewood inlay in the 

market is quite high and is soaring 

higher with each passing day. There 

has been a lot of improvement from 

the past decades. The prices of the 

products vary in accordance with the 

size and intricacies of the product. 

Though it is being widely recognized 

as an art form, it is the middlemen 

who profit from all the hard work of 

the craftsmen. This must be changed 

to provide a better lifestyle for the 

craftsmen, as it would help them 

evolve the craft to new heights. 


PART 7 

ARTISANS 

MYSURU | HASTAKALA

The Women 

Women's role is generally limited to cutting 

and finishing. 


One at a time 

Artisans individually work on assignments. As 

every craftsman has his\her own style, once 

they start with a product, they are the ones 

who finish it too. 

83 | ARTISANS

Mandimohalla 

Most craftsmen here, work under private 

practitioners. Two to three small houses 

are rented next to each other, production, 

finifhing, and stocking are done here. 


Karakushala Nagar 

Artisans working and living in Karakushala Nagar 

are mostly aided by the Government of India. The 

started off as Inlay craftsmen but now have shifted 

to patchwork as it has less wastage of resources and 

comparatively quicker and easier. 

85 | ARTISANS

INDEX 

3d inlay - variation in inlay: a variation of inlay work 

where wooden motifs are embossed to give it a 3d effect. 

Acrylic sheets - a substitute of wood now being used in 

inlay work.finished acrylic sheet exhibits glass like qualities 

clarity, brilliance, transparency, translucence – but at half 

the weight and up to 10 times the impact resistance. It 

can be tinted or colored, mirrored or made opaque. 

Anganwadi - anganwadi or “courtyard shelter” were 

started by the indian government in 1975 as part of the 

integrated child development servicesprogram to combat 

child hunger and malnutrition. a typical anganwadicentre 

also provides basic health care in indian villages. 

Banimantappa - an area in mysore near 

karakushalanagar. 

Colour blocking - a technique in which a number of 

shapes of different solid colours are put together in a 

visually aesthetic manner. 

Forcep - a small picker made out of steel locally known as 

a chimti. 

Grain line - the alternating regions of relatively darker 

and lighter wood resulting from the differing growth 

parameters occurring in different seasons. 

Kalamoum - mixture of bee extract and charcoal. 

Karakushalanagar - an area in mysore, housing 

the cluster for rosewood inlat, carving set up by the 

government. 

Mandapas - in indian architecture is a pillared outdoor 

hall or pavilion. 

Mandimohalla - an area in mysore housing artisans 

indulging in rosewood inlay. 

Patch work - variation of inlay in which wooden motifs are 

grooved like a puzzle. 

Patta - broad flat iron rod. 

Plasse - used for pulling out nails from fixtures and in 

removing the embedded pieces. 

The Wildlife (protection) act of 1972 ; influences - the 

wildlife protection act, 1972 is an act of the parliament of 

india enacted for protection of plants and animal species. 

Chamundeshwari Temple - is located on the top of 

Chamundi Hills about 13 km from the palace city of 

Mysore in the state of Karnataka in India. 

Hoysalas - is the building style developed under the 

rule of the Hoysala Empire between the 11th and 14th 

centuries, in the region known today as Karnataka, a state 

of India. 

Brindavan Gardens - The Brindavan Gardens is a garden 

located in the state of Karnataka. It lies adjoining the 

Krishnarajasagara dam which is built across the river 

Kaveri. 

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary - is a Bird Sanctuary in the 

Mandya District of the state of Karnataka in India. It is the 

largest bird sanctuary in the state which is about 40 acres. 

Geographical Indication - GI is a name or sign used 

on certain products which corresponds to a specific 

geographical location or origin (e.g. a town, region, or 

country). 

KSRTC - Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation or 

KSRTC is a state-owned road transportation company in 

Karnataka. 

3d inlay - variation in inlay: a variation of inlay work here 

wooden motifs are embossed to give it a 3d effect. 

Acrylic sheets - a substitute of wood now being used in 

inlay work.finished acrylic sheet exhibits glass like qualities 

clarity, brilliance, transparency, translucence – but at half 

the weight and up to 10 times the impact resistance. It can 

be tinted or colored, mirrored or made opaque. 

Banimantappa-an area in mysore near karakushalanagar. 


Colour blocking - a technique in which a number of 

hapes of different solid colours are put together in a 

visually aesthetic manner. 

Forcep - a small picker made out of steel locally known as 

a chimti. 

Patch work - variation of inlay in which wooden motifs are 

grooved like a puzzle. 

Brindavan Gardens - The Brindavan Gardens is a garden 

located in the state of Karnataka. It lies adjoining the 

Krishnarajasagara dam which is built across the river 

Kaveri. 

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary - is a Bird Sanctuary in the 

Mandya District of the state of Karnataka in India. It is the 

largest bird sanctuary in the state which is about 40 

acres.

PICTURE CREDITS 

Ankit Anand 

Getty Images 

Navneet Kaur 

Rishi Kandimalla 

Rohit Suri 

Shambhavi Pandey 

BIBLIOGRAPHY 

http://www.dsource.in/resource/mysore-rosewood-inlay-works/introduction 

https://www.mapsofindia.com/mysore/art-and-handicrafts/ 

http://www.culturalindia.net/monuments/mysore-palace.html 

http://www.cauverycrafts.com/rosewood.php 

www.handicraft.indiamart.com 

http://www.craftsvilla.com 

http://www.dsource.in/resource/mysore-rose-wood 

http://www.kalasrusti.com/rosewood-inlay-work.html 

http://www.mysorehandicrafts.com/ 

http://handicrafts.nic.in/ROI/rtil.htm 

Handmade in India : Crafts of India Series 

Author: Aditi Ranjan & M.P. Ranjan (Eds.) 

Year: 2008 

The Photographer's Vision 

Author: Michael Freeman 

Year: 2011 



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