


While we were roaming around Churu streets full of old Havelis, we realized that every haveli had beautiful wooden doors carved with beautiful designs on them and most of the furniture, windows and chattris were wood-carved. All this shows that how important this art would have been in old times as well. Most of the palaces and forts across the country have rich wood-carved art-pieces. Another great example comes to my mind is - Indian Institute of Advanced studies in Shimla which is Viceregal Lodge. I am sure that India must have many families doing this work in old days, but not very sure how this art-form is performing these days and how much demand we have. Maintaining these art-pieces is very challenging and everybody may not be able to afford good wood-carved art-pieces. Here I am not talking about the smaller elephants & peacocks.

This family uses sandal wood to create some marvelous art
pieces by craving very intricate designs on them. This Photo Journey
has one of the beautiful example to share. The art-forms made of
sandalwood are the most famous among the other wooden artifacts for its
sweet fragrance and it seems that sandalwood is most appropriate for
intricate carving. At the same time, sandalwood art-pieces are most
expensive amongst the all. Apart from states like Rajasthan, Mysore, Tirupati, Madurai, Coimbatore in Tamilnadu, Delhi and Varanasi are few of the main areas to find wood-carving artists in India. btw, Sandal is known as 'chandan' in Hindi.

Above photograph shows a flower carved out of a sandalwood piece. Isn't it amazing. But hold on, this one is very basic as per there artists. btw, the upper part can be collapsed and it looks like a rose. The
most popular articles carved out of sandal wood are
elephants, peacocks, square figures and rectangular boxes to keep jewellery, photo frames, key
chains and chess sets etc. These are few which are easily accessible in handicraft shops in different cities of India.

Wood carving in Rajasthan and other states of India is one of the important art form. And it was great to know that state government and Govt of India recognize these folks for their great work. While compiling this Photo Journey, I came a across a link which is listing various national awards for artists of Rajasthan - http://www.jawaharkalakendra.rajasthan.gov.in/nationallist.htm .
Here is the list of awardees form Jangid clan of Churu, Rajasthan -
Malchand Jangid (1971) - http://www.jawaharkalakendra.rajasthan.gov.in/nationallist.htm
Shri Sita Ram Jangid - http://www.rajsico.gov.in/Artisan.html
Chothmal Jangid -
http://www.jawaharkalakendra.rajasthan.gov.in/nationallist.htm
Pawan Kumar Jangid -
http://www.jawaharkalakendra.rajasthan.gov.in/nationallist.htm
Vinod Kumar Jangid -
http://www.jawaharkalakendra.rajasthan.gov.in/nationallist.htm
Mahesh Chand Jangid -
http://www.jawaharkalakendra.rajasthan.gov.in/nationallist.htm
We are looking for more such families who are indulged in
some form of art for generations. So please keep us updated, in case
you know someone.
Comments
Indeed, Incredible India
So glad you brought it to us.
I liked the family portrait, very well taken.
It was awesome to see these creations. I should a video as well, so will try to post soon.
Designs are so marvelous, beautiful story indeed..