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With its shimmering silks,
sandalwood and rosewood
carvings, and exquisite
handicrafts, Karnataka is a
shopper’s paradise. You can
buy sandalwood sculptures,
agarbattis (incense sticks,)
perfumes, sandalwood oil,
and other small gifts like
pens, letter openers, metal
lamps, wood carvings, and
inlay work. Karnataka’s
rich cultural heritage is
evident in every product
made by skilled, dedicated
artisans who are devoted to
keeping their art alive. |
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ROSEWOOD CARVINGS |
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An ancient craft of Mysore that has
found rich expression on the doors and
ceilings of temples and monuments
built under the patronage of various
ruling dynasties. |
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METALWARE |
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Metalware has evolved into a unique
art form, both in the shape of metal
casting as well as the embossing of
designs on sheet metal. The temple
town of Udupi is famous for its small
images and ritual objects, while Karkala,
an ancient Jain centre, is well known
for its Jain icons. Household articles
made of bell metal are commonly
found in Mangalore; Nagamangala
near Mysore is famous for bronze
casting. The other centres of metal craft
are Bangalore, Shivarapatna, Kundapur,
Shravanabelagola, and Bidar. Motifs are
often taken from temple friezes.
Images of gods and goddesses are
amongst the more ornate metalware
items available. |
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MYSORE SILKS |
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Bangalore and Mysore are reputed for
their shimmering silks. Woven in a
unique assortment of rich colours,
produced in a multitude of varieties,
and interwoven with delicate gold
threads, Karnataka’s legendary silk
sarees have become an integral part of
the Kannada culture and tradition. |
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WOOD CARVINGS
SANDALWOOD CARVINGS |
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| For hundreds of years, Karnataka has
been the home of sandalwood. The
range of products and designs is varied.
The Gudigar families of Shimoga,
Uttara Kannada, and Mysore districts
specialise in this craft. Shoppers can
carry home beads, pendants, carved
tables, screens, dinner gongs, boxes,
caskets, mythological figures, a host of
stationery items, trays, decorative panels
with intricate scenes carved on them,
and even tiny bookmarks crafted from
this delicately scented wood. Inlaid
furniture, and sandalwood carvings are
a favourite with affluent tourists. |
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MYSORE PAINTINGS |
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Traditional Mysore paintings with their
bright vegetable-dye colours and
lustrous gold leaves are a connoisseur’s
delight. |
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BIJAPUR SAREES, JEWELLERY
AND HANDLOOMS |
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Handlooms from Guledgudda (Khancholi,)
handwoven Ilkal sarees, clay toys, Kinnala
Paintings, and Lambani jewellery are
specialities of North Karnataka. |
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GOKAK TOYS |
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Bright, colourful replicas of vegetables
and fruits, images of deities, cradles,
toys, masks, and palanquins are
available at Gokak in Belgaum District.
Exquisite pottery, and gold and silver
jewellery are also available. |
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BIDAR BIDRIWARE |
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Bidar in North Karnataka is a famous
centre for Bidriware, a well-developed
craft that involves the use of metal plate
on an alloy made of zinc, copper, tin,
and lead. Finely crafted hookahs,
goblets, paan boxes, bowls, plates, pen
holders, letter openers, and bangles
exquisitely embellished with interwoven
vines and floral patterns are a treat to
the eye. The effect of the delicate silver
filigree against the metallic ebony
background is striking. |
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EMBROIDERY |
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Kasuti, a form of embroidery practised
especially in Dharwad and Hubli
districts, is known for its intricate and
stunning workmanship. Four kinds of
stitches are commonly used in Kasuti,
and the designs are many and intricate.
They are influenced by the architectural
patterns of temples and are symbolic
of rituals and life around temples. The
other style of embroidery is the Banjara
style, popularised in Sandur. |
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POTTERY |
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Ramanagaram, near Bangalore and
Belgaum district, is Karnataka’s
traditional centre for terracotta,specialising primarily in the production
of utility objects with a strong artistic
touch. Pots of different sizes and shapes,
wall panels, folk images of gods and
goddesses, and animal motifs are very
popular with visitors. |
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NORTH KARNATAKA CRAFTS |
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Cushion covers, bedspreads, quilts,
dinner mats, and bags; accessories such
as spectacle cases, pouches and purses;
traditional garments; ornaments made
from dyed and block printed fabric;
mirrors, beads, and traditional
jewellery; and Lambani crafts can be
found in Bijapur, Sandur, and Gulbarga
in North Karnataka. |
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CHANNAPATNA
LACQUERWARE |
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Channapatna, a small hamlet 46km
from Bangalore on the Mysore highway,
excels in lacquerware, a craft practised
today by over 3000 local craftspersons.
Lacquerware products include brightly
coloured wooden toys, door curtains,
powder boxes, and napkin rings, besides
a range of distinctive jewellery. |
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MADIKERI HONEY |
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Karnataka’s finest honey comes from
Bhagamandala, 30km from Madikeri,
where some of Kodagu’s best apiaries
are located. Virajpet is also known for
its honey. |
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