From the archive record
India can boast of one of the oldest civilizations of the world. The country’s vast cultural and ethnic diversity is showcased in its wide array of fascinating handicrafts. The south Indian state of Karnataka is known for its handicraft industry and its unique, traditional masterpieces which are made from a variety of materials using intricate motifs and time-tested as well as modern techniques. The dense forests of Karnataka, rich in flora and fauna, have inspired a variety of crafts. The sandalwood and rosewood grown in abundance in Karnataka have led to the legacy of exquisite sandalwood carvings and intricate rosewood inlay work. Age-old traditions have been kept alive by passing on jealously guarded techniques from generation to generation. However, the onslaught of modernization has