Wooden crafts have been a part of Indian culture since ancient times. Writings in the Rig Veda, dated to at least 1500 BCE, refer to a variety of vessels and objects made from wood. In India-s classical Gupta Age, from 320-647 CE, the royal families were avid patrons of the arts and frequently commissioned crafts in woodcarving and sculpture. The Medieval period leaves us with many artifacts and buildings that show a clear appreciation and flourishing of the arts. Temples from this historical era are marked with ornate woodcarvings and other beautiful achievements.
The traditional craft of woodworking in India has generally been focused around religious beliefs, devotion to deities, as well as the wishes of royal patrons of the arts. Popular woodcrafts included decorative statues, wall-hangings, and musical instruments. Vases, bowls, decorative boxes, and chests were also carved from woods. Many of these crafts doubled as both personal and spiritual items. The ancient tradition of woodcraft also included forms of jewelry making. Ornamental earrings, bracelets, pendants and necklaces, anklets, and rings were often carved out of wood and sometimes inlaid with metals. Sandalwood has been a popular choice for woodcraft and art in Indian culture. Sandalwood and art made from it has been thought to have a special religious connection to the Indian gods.