The state of Andhra Pradesh has a rich and varied cultural heritage which led to the evolution of a number of varied handicrafts. But woodwork is still a specialty of this region. There is a special variety of wood called Raktachandan or Red Sanders wood found in plenty in the Tirupati area in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The literal meaning of Raktachandan is blood colored sandalwood. This kind of wood has a special and unique rust red color and it is used to carve out a number of products. Woodwork in Andhra Pradesh is a delicate and popular craft. The villages in Andhra Pradesh that are specially noted for the woodwork are Tiruchanur and Madhavmala.
The woodwork products of Andhra Pradesh include intricate lacy fretwork objects with a rich copper look on them from Udaygiri. These products include cutlery, dainty boxes, paper knoves of different designs etc. There are a number of traditional household items too , beautifully tinted and decorated, made from the burgu and punki variety of wood. The woodwork of Andhra Pradesh is also used for making different kinds of deities, dolls, and idols. The red sandalwood is also used for carving panels, framework and traditional dolls, each of which is carved out with a lot of insistence and enthusiasm.
Apart from the famous red sandalwood, other kinds of wood like neem , teak and mango are also sued for intricate woodwork like mythological figurines, furniture and glazed toys.
History of Woodwork
India has a rich tradition of elaborate woodwork which is used for architectural purposes as well as for furniture and other products. Woodwork was used first in the temples and religious centers since ancient times. Soon it came to be used for making other products as well. Woodwork of Andhra Pradesh also dates back to historical times when intricate wood carvings and wood work was used to build temples and religious places. Since then, wooden handicrafts or woodwork has been an overwhelming part of the crafts of Andhra Pradesh.
