Fragrant Affair
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Karnataka's age old sandalwood carving is sure to calm your senses, can be found at Karnataka emporium, New Delhi.
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Karnataka known for its finest sandalwood is also popularly known as gandhadagudi - the Land of Sandalwood. Each of the sandalwood creation reflects the splendor & grandeur of Indian Traditional Art. The art of sandalwood carving has been practiced in Karnataka for at least a thousand years, and Karnataka is world famous for its exquisitely carved figurines with intricate details. The soft aromatic wood can be delicately carved with ease to create elegant masterpieces.
Sandalwood carvings are very popular gift items. Delicate, ornamental and closely worked sandal wood pieces are invariably carved with elaborate foliage designs and scroll work. Sandalwood, also popularly known as chandan is widely used all across the country.
Sandalwood is the second most expensive wood in the world. The heartwood of the tree is treasured for its aroma and is one of the finest natural materials for carving. Sandalwood oil is used in perfumes, cosmetics, aromatherapy and pharmaceuticals.
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The history of sandalwood goes long back as Tippu Sultan, who ruled the Kingdom of Mysore had declared sandalwood tree as a royal tree and took over sandalwood trade of the state on a monopoly basis around 1792. This practice was continued by the later Maharajas of Mysore and subsequently by the Karnataka Government until recently.
At the Karnataka state emporium, there are two types of sandalwood items, first being yellow sandalwood which is quite expensive ( Rs 1000-8 lacs). Both the wood and the oil produce a distinctive fragrance that has been highly valued for centuries, red sandalwood is relatively less expensive (Rs.1000- 40000 no smell, availability is rare) Carved inscapes of Gods and Goddesses, animals like elephants, lions and more are created out of sandalwood. Elephant is very important motif of sandal wood carving, available in different sizes.
“We get everything that’s in the store shipped from our own factory in Mysore. We own a production house there, karigars sit there and create everything from the statues to the cosmetics and home decor, all containing pure Mysore sandalwood”, said Ganesh Prakash, manager at Karnataka emporium.
If you want your home to smell, feel, and look divine , invest in one of these authentic sandalwood carved pieces for a whole new living experience.
Price : Rs. 1000 onwards
Where to buy : Karnataka state emporium
Located : C 4, State Emporium Complex, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place
Nearest metro station : Rajiv Chowk
Contributed by : Paridhi Garg
