 'Chandan' or
sandalwood occcupies a very special and prominent place in the Indian society. Referred to
as a sacred wood, its utilization is mandatory in almost all religious rites, from birth
to death of an average Hindu. The sandalwood paste on the forehead of a devout Hindu as
the part of prayer to the deities is a common feature.Apart from religious value,
sandalwood is also supposed to carry tremendous medicinal properties. People believe that
its application on the forehead soothes and calms the nerves, apart from numerous other
medicinal uses. To the rest of the
world, Indian sandalwood stands out for its perfume and remarkable carving potential.
While its docile nature may indeed create those incredible masterpieces, the wood is tough
and lasts a long, long time.
The history of sandalwood carving goes back to many
centuries, and a succession of ruling dynasties impressed with its qualities conferred on
it a royal status. Such patronage ensured that the craft of sandalwood carving flourished
and entire families took to this trade, living exclusively off it. Today, the descendants
of those very families keep the craft alive.
Traditional varieties of sandalwood in India number over
twenty and most of them come from the southern part of the country, where the art and
craft of sandalwood carving is most developed. Mysore is at once the most important source
for growing some of the rarest varieties of sandalwood trees, and also a centre for
sandalwood carving. Another such place in south India that excels in sandalwood carving is
Trivandrum. In north India, the city of Jaipur is known for its sandalwood carvings.
 The IHE has
created, as well as, collected some of the most marvelous works in sandalwood, many of
which are displayed in the IHE museum section. These rare masterpieces are the result of
painstaking effort and powerful imagination of many master craftsmen put together over the
years. One such masterpiece is a unique 'work-on-work' 8 feet by 8
feet screen. Yet another rare jewel at the IHE museum is the world largest chess set.
Prominent amongst the IHE Sandalwood collection is the creations of some of the deftest
hands - the undercut work. These hollow carvings, amazes an astute viewer hinting at the
pains and efforts which have gone into creating such masterpieces.
 Amongst other things displayed at the IHE are
medium and large sized sandalwood chess sets, elephant bridges (ED), Indian Maharajas
seated on an Elephant, Hindu gods and goddesses (mainly Ganesha, Shiva and Krishna), Lord
Buddha, animals (mainly elephants, camels and owls), human figures, depiction of war and
hunting scenes (Shikar Carvings), inlay work etc.
Decorative items in sandalwood include necklaces, prayer
beads, as well as, utility items such as lamps, letter openers, seals and bookmarkers. |
