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.

Mysuru has long been a centre of perfumery and agarbathi making. Sandalwood, floral oils, herbs and resins are blended into incense sticks, dhoop cups, sambrani and attars. The fragrance is slow and lasting, and the craft grew alongside the sandalwood trade of the region. These fragrances are part of daily worship, festivals and homes across Karnataka.

Rosewood work of Karnataka is admired for its deep colour and for the art of inlay. Craftsmen cut fine pieces of lighter wood and set them into a rosewood ground to form floral borders, deities and scenic panels. From small kumkum boxes to large wall frames, the grain of the wood and the precision of the inlay give each article a rich, lasting finish.

Bidriware is the celebrated metal craft of Bidar in northern Karnataka. Artisans cast an alloy of zinc and copper, engrave fine floral and geometric patterns, and inlay them with pure silver. The surface is then blackened so the silver design stands out against a deep matte ground. Boxes, vases and figurines from Bidar carry a courtly tradition that has been practised in the region for centuries.

Shivani wood carving is a traditional Karnataka craft known for bold forms and detailed hand work. Artisans carve local woods with chisels into figures of Ganesha, Krishna, Buddha and scenes from the epics. Other wood carvings in this range use a variety of timbers for elephants, peacocks and household articles. Each piece keeps the character of the wood while showing the skill of the carver.

Metal craft in Karnataka includes finely cast bronze and other metal icons of deities, birds and traditional motifs. Artisans model the figure, cast it in metal and finish the surface by hand so that crowns, ornaments and drapery stand out in clear detail. These images continue a long temple and household tradition of metal work made for worship and for the home.

Channapatna, near Bengaluru, is known as the toy town of Karnataka. Craftsmen turn soft hale wood on a hand lathe and finish the toys with coloured lac prepared from natural dyes. The smooth, bright rattles, tops, dolls and animal figures are light in the hand and have been made here for generations. The craft is loved for its cheerful colours and for keeping a traditional wood-turning skill alive.

Kinhal toys come from the town of Kinhal in Koppal district. Artisans shape light wood, build up the form with a traditional paste, and paint mythological figures, animals and birds in rich colours and gold. The soft modelling and bright finish give Kinhal work a character of its own, distinct from the other wooden toys of Karnataka.

Stone and marble craft of Karnataka covers carved marble figures and boxes inlaid with colourful gemstones. Artisans shape the stone into elephants, panels and small containers, then set the stones by hand in floral and geometric patterns. The polish of the marble and the glow of the inlay make these pieces both decorative and durable.

The handloom tradition of Karnataka covers sarees, durries and carpets woven by skilled weavers on the loom. Regional cotton and silk weaves are known for their distinctive borders, while Navalgund is famous for colourful carpets with geometric and floral patterns. Each piece reflects the yarn, the dye and the long hours of patient work at the loom.