Jalandhar9 minutes ago
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carvers
Wood carvings and utensils of Hoshiarpur, which was the main center of trade during the Silk Route, were also world famous. Here various products of wood carving used to go not only to the country but also to foreign countries. But as time took a turn, this business of Hoshiarpur’s carving got extinct. But now efforts have started to bring it back on the world stage.
Project “Karigar” has been started in Hoshiarpur to save its ancient art. Under this, the wood inlay products of Hoshiarpur will now be available to art lovers sitting at home on Amazon. The district administration has entered into an agreement with e-commerce company Amazon to save this ancient art form.
This product made in Hoshiarpur was given by Prime Minister Modi as a gift to the then US President Donald Trump during his visit to India.
Wood carving was done only in Hoshiarpur
Hoshiarpur has been the father of wood carving. Earlier wood carving was done only in Hoshiarpur. The wooden carvings that are seen even today in the palaces of great kings and emperors are a wonder of the art of the artists of Hoshiarpur. But from here again slowly this business went ahead.
In 1880 first exhibition of products made of Hoshiarpur was organized in Australia and in 1885 in England. Carving workers tell that their elders used to say that at that time huge demand came from Europe. It was difficult for them to pay the goods. But now in the computer era, this ancient art has almost reached its end. The next generation of the family who used to do carving work here did not make efforts to save this art of theirs.
DC Komal Mittal talking about Project Karigar
Art affected by not getting full result of hard work
Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal said that wood inlay work is a hallmark of Hoshiarpur’s rich heritage and an integral part of the culture but with the passage of time there has been a dearth of artisans. He said that the hard work that goes into making the main reason behind it, the artisans might not get that much value for it.
He said that through ‘Karigar’ project with e-commerce company Amazon, the products of these skilled artisans of Hoshiarpur will be put in front of the market so that the artisans can get good income for their hard work. Komal Mittal said that it is our endeavor to revive this vanishing art.
Ivory carving on wood gave recognition
During the British rule, the ivory carvings made on wood from Bassi Ghulam Hussain, a village adjacent to Hoshiarpur, gave the district recognition not only in the country but also in the world. But, later, due to the ban on the use of elephant teeth and camel bone, gradually this business started slowing down in Hoshiarpur.
Even now, art lovers coming to Hoshiarpur from India and abroad come to Dibbi Bazaar to buy these unique artefacts.
Bassi Ghulam Hussain once had 3000 carving artisans, now only 300
In 1860, the work of making ivory articles on wood started here in Dibbi Bazar. In no time, more than 3000 artisans from the surrounding area started preparing goods and sending them to the Dibbi market. Now there are only around 300. While only 150 are registered in the government records.