Out of a gem

ART IN India is a goldmine that needs to be explored on a large scale. Nagina in Uttar Pradesh is one such art, which has been explored by the Department for Development of Community Handicraft of the Ministry of Textiles.

Around one hundred years old, it is an art involving craftsmanship on wood. It has emerged as a trademark of Indian artistry across the globe.

Named after Nagina, a small place in district Bijnore of Uttar Pradesh, this art was a means of living for the Multani people who hailed from Pakistan. The art was admired and encouraged by the Mughal rulers. Originally, it was done on ivory but due to unavailability of ivory in the market, the artists have started working on the rosewood and the mango wood.

"The department organised training workshops and certain exhibitions for us. We got a good response and many people from different communities are joining hands with us and want to be associated with this art," says I.A Multani, President, Nagina Crafts Development Society.

Nagina is famous for its walking sticks, exclusive brass inlay and wooden inlay boxes and nakkashi. We are not selling the wood but the art which is very popular in the foreign countries and getting returns in foreign currency," says Multani.

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