The story
Saharanpur's wood carving traces back to the late 19th century and was shaped by architectural carving and Kashmiri designs, as many carvers descended from Kashmiri migrants. The vine-leaf (anguri) pattern and fine jaali screens are typical of the town. Carvers in the Purani Mandi area and other workshops make furniture and decor for Indian buyers and exporters.
In numbers
The annual value of the wood carving industry of Saharanpur is pegged at about Rs 400 crore, and it supports the livelihood of about 150,000 artisans.
EPCH project note: SaharanpurAbout 35 main furnishing firms of Saharanpur contribute half of India's export of specially designed furniture.
EPCH project note: SaharanpurExport of specially designed Indian furniture was about Rs 6 crore in 1980 and rose to about Rs 136 crore in 1996-97.
EPCH project note: Saharanpur
GI tag
- Saharanpur Wood CraftApplication no. GI Application No. 184; Registration No. 206GI Registry, IP India - Application 184: Saharanpur Wood Craft
Ways in for a newcomer
- Wood seasoning and chemical treatment as a service
- Carving and finishing job work for exporters
- Online sales of carved decor and furniture
- Supplying legal, certified timber
Problems the cluster faces
- Rising cost and shortage of timber
- Exports have fallen as orders were cancelled and costs rose
- Middlemen take much of the margin
- Young carvers moving to daily-wage work
Businesses to start here
Wood Carving Unit (Photo Frames) →Wood Crafting Unit (Wooden Frames) →Wooden Furniture Making →Wooden Toys and Decorative Pieces →Chemical Etching on Wood (Decorative Panels) →Carpentry Workshop (Wooden Furniture) →