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.
Mysore Silks: 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: 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.
Rosewood Carvings: 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.
Metalware: 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.
Mysore Paintings: Traditional Mysore paintings with their bright vegetable-dye
colours and lustrous gold leaves are a connoisseur’s delight.
Bijapur Sarees, Jewellery and Handlooms: Handlooms from Guledgudda (Khancholi),
handwoven Ilkal sarees, clay toys and Lambani jewellery are specialities of
North Karnataka.
Gokak Toys: 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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