WELCOME TO THE WELCOME TO THE PRESENTATION OF PRESENTATION OF

HIMACHAL HIMACHAL PRADESHPRADESH

SMALL SCALE SMALL SCALE AND COTTAGE AND COTTAGE

INDUSTRYINDUSTRY

I B.COM FI B.COM F

IntroductionsIntroductions

• Himachal Pradesh is one of the prominent Himachal Pradesh is one of the prominent states of north India.Majority of the states of north India.Majority of the population lives in villages. It is one of the population lives in villages. It is one of the states having highest rural population.states having highest rural population.

• Himachal Pradesh is a state in the Himachal Pradesh is a state in the Punjab regionPunjab region in north-west in north-west IndiaIndia. Himachal . Himachal Pradesh is spread over 21,629 Pradesh is spread over 21,629 sq misq mi (56,019 (56,019 km²),km²),[1][1] and is bordered by the Indian states and is bordered by the Indian states of of Jammu and KashmirJammu and Kashmir on north, Punjab on on north, Punjab on west and south-west, Haryana and Uttar west and south-west, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on south, Uttarakhand on south-east Pradesh on south, Uttarakhand on south-east and by Tibet, China on the east. The literal and by Tibet, China on the east. The literal meaning of Himachal Pradesh is meaning of Himachal Pradesh is Region of Region of snowy mountainssnowy mountains

CultureCultureHimachal was one of the few states that had remained Himachal was one of the few states that had remained

largely untouched by external customs, largely due to largely untouched by external customs, largely due to its difficult terrain. With the technological its difficult terrain. With the technological advancements the state has changed very rapidly. It is advancements the state has changed very rapidly. It is a multireligional, multicultural as well as multilingual a multireligional, multicultural as well as multilingual state like other Indian states. The state is well known state like other Indian states. The state is well known for its handicrafts. The carpets, leather works, shawls, for its handicrafts. The carpets, leather works, shawls, paintings, metalware, woodwork and paintings are paintings, metalware, woodwork and paintings are worth appreciating. Pashmina shawl is one of the worth appreciating. Pashmina shawl is one of the products which are highly in demand not only in products which are highly in demand not only in Himachal but all over the country. Himachali caps are Himachal but all over the country. Himachali caps are also famous art work of the people. Extreme cold also famous art work of the people. Extreme cold winters of Himachal necessitated wool weaving. Nearly winters of Himachal necessitated wool weaving. Nearly every household in Himachal owns a pit-loom. Wool is every household in Himachal owns a pit-loom. Wool is also considered as pure and is used as a ritual cloth. also considered as pure and is used as a ritual cloth. The well known woven object is the shawl, ranging The well known woven object is the shawl, ranging from fine pashmina to the coarse desar. Kullu is from fine pashmina to the coarse desar. Kullu is famous for its shawls with striking patterns and famous for its shawls with striking patterns and vibrant colours.vibrant colours.

SMALL SCALE AND SMALL SCALE AND COTTAGE INDUSTRIESCOTTAGE INDUSTRIES

• The Small scale Industrial (SSI) Sector contributes significantly to the The Small scale Industrial (SSI) Sector contributes significantly to the prime social objective of providing employment opportunities to millions of prime social objective of providing employment opportunities to millions of people across the country. The SSI sector has been contributing people across the country. The SSI sector has been contributing significantly to industrial production, exports and national Gross Domestic significantly to industrial production, exports and national Gross Domestic Product. The sector has been assigned the target of annual growth of 12% Product. The sector has been assigned the target of annual growth of 12% and creation of 4.4 million additional jobs. and creation of 4.4 million additional jobs.

• Being a labor-intensive sector, they offer a higher productivity of capital Being a labor-intensive sector, they offer a higher productivity of capital than capital-intensive enterprises due to low investment per worker. The than capital-intensive enterprises due to low investment per worker. The SSI today constitutes a very important segment of the Indian economy as SSI today constitutes a very important segment of the Indian economy as they help in dispersal of industries, rural development, and the they help in dispersal of industries, rural development, and the decentralization of economic power.decentralization of economic power.

• The central discussion of this paper highlights the importance of small The central discussion of this paper highlights the importance of small industries and their role in the economy and the impact of economic industries and their role in the economy and the impact of economic reforms on growth pattern and productivity performance of small-scale reforms on growth pattern and productivity performance of small-scale industries. However, this is not to say that there are no shortcomings within industries. However, this is not to say that there are no shortcomings within the industry, or in public policy relating to it. Small industries are faced the industry, or in public policy relating to it. Small industries are faced with numerous problems major and minor, which make them either with numerous problems major and minor, which make them either uncompetitive, or sick. An attempt is made to address some solutions that uncompetitive, or sick. An attempt is made to address some solutions that can improve their productivity by focusing on a sustainable vision.can improve their productivity by focusing on a sustainable vision.

• Over the last five decades, the small-scale Industries (SSI) sector has Over the last five decades, the small-scale Industries (SSI) sector has acquired a Place of prominence in the economy of the Country. It has acquired a Place of prominence in the economy of the Country. It has contributed significantly to the Growth of the Gross Domestic Product contributed significantly to the Growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Employment generation and exports. The Sector now includes not (GDP), Employment generation and exports. The Sector now includes not only SSI units but also Small scale service and business only SSI units but also Small scale service and business enterprises(SSSBEs) and is thus referred to as the small Enterprises sector.enterprises(SSSBEs) and is thus referred to as the small Enterprises sector.

COTTAGE INDUSTRIESCOTTAGE INDUSTRIESCottage Industry is a specialized form of small scale industry where the Cottage Industry is a specialized form of small scale industry where the

production of the commodity takes place in the homes and the labor is supplied production of the commodity takes place in the homes and the labor is supplied by the family members only. The machineries or means utilized for the by the family members only. The machineries or means utilized for the production of the commodities generally are the common ones used at homes. production of the commodities generally are the common ones used at homes. The basic characteristic feature of Cottage Industry is that it is basically The basic characteristic feature of Cottage Industry is that it is basically unorganized in nature and come under the group of small scale industry type.unorganized in nature and come under the group of small scale industry type.

The commodities that are being produced by these industries are basically The commodities that are being produced by these industries are basically consumable ones and are produced through the utilization of the traditional consumable ones and are produced through the utilization of the traditional techniques. Cottage Industry especially started its function in the country sides techniques. Cottage Industry especially started its function in the country sides of a country where unemployment along with under-employment are prevalent. of a country where unemployment along with under-employment are prevalent. Thus, this industry helps the economy by absorbing a huge amount of surplus Thus, this industry helps the economy by absorbing a huge amount of surplus labor of the rural economy. Another glaring feature of Cottage Industry is that labor of the rural economy. Another glaring feature of Cottage Industry is that it is not a mass producer of commodities.it is not a mass producer of commodities.

The main risk that is being faced by this industry is from the factory based The main risk that is being faced by this industry is from the factory based medium or large industries which are again capital intensive in nature. This is medium or large industries which are again capital intensive in nature. This is because of the fact that these large industries utilize all sorts of cost effective because of the fact that these large industries utilize all sorts of cost effective technologies which enable them to supply the products at low price. On the technologies which enable them to supply the products at low price. On the other hand, the Cottage Industry is basically labor intensive and utilizes other hand, the Cottage Industry is basically labor intensive and utilizes traditional techniques in production process which are generally not cost traditional techniques in production process which are generally not cost effective in nature which escalates the price of their product. The products effective in nature which escalates the price of their product. The products supplied by the Cottage Industry thus face risk of extinction if they don't supplied by the Cottage Industry thus face risk of extinction if they don't receive enough financial or other form of support from the government. receive enough financial or other form of support from the government.

Cottage Industry is often characterized by its enormous potential for Cottage Industry is often characterized by its enormous potential for employment generation and the person getting employed is basically regarded employment generation and the person getting employed is basically regarded as a self-employed one.as a self-employed one.

MALWA COTTON SPINNING MILLS LTD

Malwa is among the top ten textile mills in the country. Malwa Cotton Spinning Mills Ltd, a subsidiary of VSO Group, has a facility at Paonta Sahib. The plant, which was set up in 1988, manufactures cotton, acrylic, polyester, viscose and other synthetic fibres. The Government of India awarded the group for consistent performance in exports and ISO 9002 for quality assurance.

INDUSTRIAL INFRASTRUCTUREThe State Government has established 16

industrial areas, 11 export promotion parks and 11 industrial estates with basic amenities such as roads, power, sewerage, water, communications and power supply. An electronics complex has been developed at Shoghi, near Shimla. The state has established three agro export zones, including the one at Parwanoo, which is one of the largest in Asia

AGRO-BASED INDUSTRIES The diverse agro-climatic conditions and

fertile soil enable the growth of horticulture produce in the state. Himachal Pradesh recorded a total fruit production of 0.56 million tonnes in 2003-04. Apple, the dominant fruit crop, constitutes about 42 per cent of the total area under fruit crops and 84 per cent of the total fruit production in the state. Other fruit crops include mango and litchi. Vegetable production in the state increased from 25,000 tonnes in 1951-52 to 731,000 tonnes in 2003-04. Animal husbandry and dairy are key contributors to the state’s income.

TEXTILES INDUSTRIESIn addition to handloom and handicrafts,

sericulture is one of the key cottage industries in the state. In 2003-04, 114,000 kg reeling cocoons were produced. There are about 50,000 handloom units primarily based on wool. The main products of the textile industry in the state are shawls, tweeds & blankets, woollen carpets, traditional dresses and other handicrafts. The Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagrah belt in Solan district near Chandigarh is fast emerging as a textile belt. The valley has a dozen units with a total capacity of about 600,000 spindles. Another five units with an additional capacity of 200,000 spindles are in the pipeline.

StoneworkStonework  

Thanks to the fair variety of stone found Thanks to the fair variety of stone found in this hilly region, stone carving has in this hilly region, stone carving has been explored to the fullest in Himachal. been explored to the fullest in Himachal. Numerous shikhara (spired) stone Numerous shikhara (spired) stone temples dot the landscape. The temples dot the landscape. The Lakshminarayan temples of Chamba and Lakshminarayan temples of Chamba and the temples of Baijnath and Masrur in the temples of Baijnath and Masrur in the Kangra Valley are some splendid the Kangra Valley are some splendid specimens of the kind.specimens of the kind.Beautifully carved memorial stone slabs Beautifully carved memorial stone slabs called panihars are also found in several called panihars are also found in several places, especially near temples and places, especially near temples and fountains. fountains. 

Stone carvers in HP are hammering Stone carvers in HP are hammering away at their blocks even today, away at their blocks even today, producing several artefacts of domestic producing several artefacts of domestic use widely available in the markets. use widely available in the markets. These include traditional stoves These include traditional stoves (angithi), circular pots for storing (angithi), circular pots for storing (kundi), pestle and mortar (dauri danda), (kundi), pestle and mortar (dauri danda), mill stones (chakki) and other things. mill stones (chakki) and other things. The centres of sculpting in Himachal are The centres of sculpting in Himachal are concentrated mainly in Mandi, Chamba, concentrated mainly in Mandi, Chamba, Kinnaur and the Shimla Hills. Kinnaur and the Shimla Hills.

MetalworkMetalwork  

In a land where religion rules daily In a land where religion rules daily life, worship is bound to be an life, worship is bound to be an elaborate process. Temples are replete elaborate process. Temples are replete with pretty objects needed for worship, with pretty objects needed for worship, all fine specimens of metalwork. all fine specimens of metalwork. 

The metals used mainly are brass, The metals used mainly are brass, copper, iron, tin and bell metal. Apart copper, iron, tin and bell metal. Apart from the exquisite statuettes from the exquisite statuettes enshrined, there are several metal enshrined, there are several metal objects like bells with artistically objects like bells with artistically designed handles, lamps, incense designed handles, lamps, incense burners, low settees of silver or brass, burners, low settees of silver or brass, vessels and ornate musical vessels and ornate musical instruments in these temples.instruments in these temples.In fact, the common lota (a small In fact, the common lota (a small globular pot for storing water) itself is globular pot for storing water) itself is available in so many different forms all available in so many different forms all over the state that it’s amazing. over the state that it’s amazing. Similar things may be used as Similar things may be used as everyday items at home.everyday items at home.Some of the more affluent homes Some of the more affluent homes possess beautifully fashioned teapots, possess beautifully fashioned teapots, smoking pipes, carved panels, smoking pipes, carved panels, doorknobs and various other artefacts. doorknobs and various other artefacts. Metal workers haven’t lost their magic Metal workers haven’t lost their magic touch; this centuries old craft is still touch; this centuries old craft is still one of the most vital traditions of the one of the most vital traditions of the state. state. 

JewelleryJewellery  

Chunky bead-and-metal jewellery of the hill people is Chunky bead-and-metal jewellery of the hill people is usually in great demand. As with most tribal communities, usually in great demand. As with most tribal communities, the traditional attire includes ornaments for almost all the traditional attire includes ornaments for almost all parts of the body. Markets abound with stalls selling parts of the body. Markets abound with stalls selling amulets, pendants, necklaces, daggers and rings – you’ll amulets, pendants, necklaces, daggers and rings – you’ll probably want to take everything home! probably want to take everything home! 

Fine jewellery is crafted out of silver and gold. The Fine jewellery is crafted out of silver and gold. The jewelers of the once-Rajput kingdoms of Kangra, Chamba, jewelers of the once-Rajput kingdoms of Kangra, Chamba, Mandi and Kullu were famous for their enameling skills.Mandi and Kullu were famous for their enameling skills.They mainly worked with silver and were partial to deep They mainly worked with silver and were partial to deep blue and green enameling. They created exquisite pieces blue and green enameling. They created exquisite pieces like elliptical anklets, solid iron-headed bangles, hair like elliptical anklets, solid iron-headed bangles, hair ornaments, peepal-leaf-shaped forehead ornaments, ornaments, peepal-leaf-shaped forehead ornaments, necklaces known as chandanhaars (a bunch of long silver necklaces known as chandanhaars (a bunch of long silver chains linked by engraved or enameled silver plaques) and chains linked by engraved or enameled silver plaques) and pendants with motifs of the mother goddess.pendants with motifs of the mother goddess.An old Kangra pattern for silver anklets is a series of An old Kangra pattern for silver anklets is a series of birds, archaic in design, connected by silver links. birds, archaic in design, connected by silver links. Unfortunately most of this is old jewellery and is no longer Unfortunately most of this is old jewellery and is no longer made. You could check it out in museums like the Kangra made. You could check it out in museums like the Kangra Art Museum in Dharamsala, the State Museum in Shimla Art Museum in Dharamsala, the State Museum in Shimla and the Bhuri Singh Museum in Chamba.and the Bhuri Singh Museum in Chamba.

of the jewellery that’s made now, coin necklaces are of the jewellery that’s made now, coin necklaces are extremely popular with pahari women. So much so that extremely popular with pahari women. So much so that every pahari woman dreams of owning one.every pahari woman dreams of owning one.Chokers called kach (made of silver beads and triangular Chokers called kach (made of silver beads and triangular plaques) and the collar-like hansali are also common. plaques) and the collar-like hansali are also common. Heavy anklets, bangles and silver bracelets (kare) – solid Heavy anklets, bangles and silver bracelets (kare) – solid or filled with shellac – with clasps in the shape of crocodile or filled with shellac – with clasps in the shape of crocodile or lions heads are worn by all women.or lions heads are worn by all women.In the Tibetan influenced Lahaul-Spiti, ornaments are In the Tibetan influenced Lahaul-Spiti, ornaments are studded with semi precious stones like coral, turquoise, studded with semi precious stones like coral, turquoise, amber and mother-of-pearl. amber and mother-of-pearl. 

ShawlsShawls

Extremely fine and valuable shawls are a Extremely fine and valuable shawls are a speciality of Himachal and Kashmir. They speciality of Himachal and Kashmir. They are greatly sought after by tourists from all are greatly sought after by tourists from all over the world. over the world. In fact, shawl weaving is a major cottage In fact, shawl weaving is a major cottage industry in HP. These shawls, both plain and industry in HP. These shawls, both plain and patterned, are made from the fine hair of patterned, are made from the fine hair of pashmina goats. Pashm is the wool of a pashmina goats. Pashm is the wool of a certain Asian species of mountain goat, certain Asian species of mountain goat, Capra hircus.Capra hircus.

The fine fleece used to make these shawls is The fine fleece used to make these shawls is that which grows beneath the rough outer that which grows beneath the rough outer hair. Did you know that the finest hair hair. Did you know that the finest hair comes from the underbelly which is shed comes from the underbelly which is shed with the onset of summer?with the onset of summer?The right mix of wool gives beautiful shades The right mix of wool gives beautiful shades of grey, blue, mustard and black. Shawls in of grey, blue, mustard and black. Shawls in Kullu are often woven from the wool of Kullu are often woven from the wool of angora rabbits. The borders of these plain-angora rabbits. The borders of these plain-looking shawls are decorated with dazzling looking shawls are decorated with dazzling geometric designs. Shawls of Lahaul-Spiti, geometric designs. Shawls of Lahaul-Spiti, especially, are a riot of colours. (Also see especially, are a riot of colours. (Also see Kullu)  Kullu) 

Woollen GarmentsWoollen Garments

Wool is an auspicious Wool is an auspicious thing in Himachal, thing in Himachal, and no ritual and no ritual occasion goes occasion goes without wearing without wearing woollen clothes. A woollen clothes. A quaint ritual during quaint ritual during weddings, for weddings, for instance, is to wrap instance, is to wrap the bride and groom the bride and groom in a woollen shawl to in a woollen shawl to protect them from protect them from evil eyes. evil eyes.

EmbroideryEmbroidery  

Embroidery seems to be the favourite Embroidery seems to be the favourite pastime of pahari women, their nimble pastime of pahari women, their nimble fingers busy with needle and thread on lazy fingers busy with needle and thread on lazy afternoons. Houses in HP are replete with afternoons. Houses in HP are replete with beautiful pieces like rumals (scarves), beautiful pieces like rumals (scarves), coverlets, handfans, caps, cholis (bodices), coverlets, handfans, caps, cholis (bodices), gaumukhi (prayer gloves) and such things.gaumukhi (prayer gloves) and such things.The motifs are either from the traditional The motifs are either from the traditional stock of miniature painting, the landscape or stock of miniature painting, the landscape or are innovations of the women themselves. are innovations of the women themselves. This urge to create and live with beautiful This urge to create and live with beautiful pieces is very much a part of pahari culture.pieces is very much a part of pahari culture.

The red and orange richly embroidered silk The red and orange richly embroidered silk rumals (scarves) of Chamba are simply rumals (scarves) of Chamba are simply beautiful. The women of Chamba have beautiful. The women of Chamba have traditionally made them for a 1000 years traditionally made them for a 1000 years now. These rumals are actually small shawls now. These rumals are actually small shawls meant to be used as head coverings.meant to be used as head coverings.

They often depict scenes from the They often depict scenes from the Mahabharata, the Ramayana and the Raas-Mahabharata, the Ramayana and the Raas-lila of Radha and Krishna. The embroidery is lila of Radha and Krishna. The embroidery is done in silk yarn on tussar cloth or fine done in silk yarn on tussar cloth or fine cotton. The stitches are so fine that there is cotton. The stitches are so fine that there is no evidence of knots or loose threads. As no evidence of knots or loose threads. As such both sides of the rumal are alike.such both sides of the rumal are alike.The ground is usually white or cream, but The ground is usually white or cream, but the embroidery threads (usually red and the embroidery threads (usually red and orange) are in striking contrast. A finely orange) are in striking contrast. A finely embroidered rumal can take something like embroidered rumal can take something like even a month to complete. even a month to complete. 

Garments & AccessoriesGarments & Accessories

Himachalis simply love to Himachalis simply love to dress up. Their everyday dress up. Their everyday wear is so colourful that wear is so colourful that you’d think that they were you’d think that they were dressed up for a festive dressed up for a festive occasion.occasion.The Gujjars (a semi-nomadic The Gujjars (a semi-nomadic tribe) wear kurtas (long tribe) wear kurtas (long shirts) which are delicately shirts) which are delicately embroidered with circular embroidered with circular and linear patterns. and linear patterns. The people of Chamba are The people of Chamba are majorly fond of all sorts of majorly fond of all sorts of accessories, which include accessories, which include bright rumals (scarves) worn bright rumals (scarves) worn by the women, bangles and by the women, bangles and rings made of horsehair and rings made of horsehair and brightly patterned grass brightly patterned grass shoes. Traditional Footwearshoes. Traditional Footwear

Rugs & CarpetsRugs & Carpets

Carpets and blankets are almost Carpets and blankets are almost synonymous with Himachali furnishing. synonymous with Himachali furnishing. Their brilliant colours and traditional motifs Their brilliant colours and traditional motifs can make you forget your Persian back can make you forget your Persian back home! You’ll be spellbound by their home! You’ll be spellbound by their appearance – Garudas (Vishnu’s mount, the appearance – Garudas (Vishnu’s mount, the eagle) perched on flowering trees, dragons, eagle) perched on flowering trees, dragons, swastikas (auspicious Hindu/Buddhist swastikas (auspicious Hindu/Buddhist emblem), flutes (symbolizing happiness) emblem), flutes (symbolizing happiness) and lotus blooms (signifying purity). and lotus blooms (signifying purity). 

In the higher reaches of the state, hillfolk In the higher reaches of the state, hillfolk rear sheep and goats and weave the wool rear sheep and goats and weave the wool and hair into traditional blankets, rugs and and hair into traditional blankets, rugs and namdas (heavy rugs). Namdas are made namdas (heavy rugs). Namdas are made with beaten wool. In fact men spinning wool with beaten wool. In fact men spinning wool by hand as they watch their flocks is a by hand as they watch their flocks is a common sight in Himachal. common sight in Himachal. 

Fleecy soft blankets called gudmas are also Fleecy soft blankets called gudmas are also very popular. They are made from the wool very popular. They are made from the wool of the Giangi sheep. They come in natural of the Giangi sheep. They come in natural wool colours and are finished with a red or wool colours and are finished with a red or black edging. You’ll have a lot of black edging. You’ll have a lot of furnishings to choose from: thobis (floor furnishings to choose from: thobis (floor coverings), karcha (mattresses), which are coverings), karcha (mattresses), which are made from goat hair, pattoo cloth (like made from goat hair, pattoo cloth (like shawls), carpets and yarn made from soft shawls), carpets and yarn made from soft wool. Back To Top  wool. Back To Top 

Kangra School of PaintingsKangra School of Paintings

Under the ambitious Sansar Under the ambitious Sansar Chand (1775-1823), the Kangra Chand (1775-1823), the Kangra School flourished happily. It is School flourished happily. It is said that Sansar’s love for a said that Sansar’s love for a gaddi (a tribe of Chamba-gaddi (a tribe of Chamba-Kangra region) maiden drove Kangra region) maiden drove him to commission the him to commission the paintings.paintings.

Kangra Fort, where he held Kangra Fort, where he held court for nearly 25 years, was court for nearly 25 years, was once adorned with paintings once adorned with paintings and attracted art lovers from and attracted art lovers from far and wide.far and wide.Later he moved his capital to Later he moved his capital to Nadaun and finally to Sujanpur Nadaun and finally to Sujanpur Tira. The temples and palaces Tira. The temples and palaces at each of these places were at each of these places were adorned with lovely miniatures. adorned with lovely miniatures. The 1905 earthquake damaged The 1905 earthquake damaged many of these buildings but you many of these buildings but you can still see some of the can still see some of the miniature wall paintings.miniature wall paintings.

The Kangra style of PaintingsThe Kangra style of Paintings

The Kangra style is by far the most poetic The Kangra style is by far the most poetic and lyrical of Indian styles, says art and lyrical of Indian styles, says art historian J. C. Harle.historian J. C. Harle.

His favourite subject here is ‘the His favourite subject here is ‘the idealization of woman, in flowing sari, head idealization of woman, in flowing sari, head half-covered with a shawl, demure but half-covered with a shawl, demure but stately, passionate and shy’. The more stately, passionate and shy’. The more complex many-figured compositions – complex many-figured compositions – usually larger and horizontal in format – usually larger and horizontal in format – tend to illustrate events from the Krishna tend to illustrate events from the Krishna legend – the cowherd god putting out a legend – the cowherd god putting out a forest fire, subduing the serpent Kaliya, or forest fire, subduing the serpent Kaliya, or stealing the clothes of gopis (milkmaids of stealing the clothes of gopis (milkmaids of Braj) while they were bathing in the river.Braj) while they were bathing in the river.

The ability to handle large groups of figures The ability to handle large groups of figures and landscapes with towns or clusters of and landscapes with towns or clusters of houses in the distance is admirable. Apart houses in the distance is admirable. Apart from intricate brushwork, Kangra from intricate brushwork, Kangra miniatures are characterized by the skillful miniatures are characterized by the skillful use of brilliant mineral and vegetable use of brilliant mineral and vegetable extract colours that possess an enamel-like extract colours that possess an enamel-like lustre. But the strangest thing about these lustre. But the strangest thing about these hill paintings is that you’ll never find snow-hill paintings is that you’ll never find snow-capped mountains in them!capped mountains in them!

Research shows that while the Kangra style Research shows that while the Kangra style became well-entrenched in the Hills, many became well-entrenched in the Hills, many offshoots emerged in regions like Kullu, offshoots emerged in regions like Kullu, Nurpur, Chamba and Mandi. The Bhuri Nurpur, Chamba and Mandi. The Bhuri Singh Museum in Chamba is best-known for Singh Museum in Chamba is best-known for its exquisite collection of Pahari miniatures. its exquisite collection of Pahari miniatures. 

• ¤ Wood Carving¤ Wood Carving  

Forests all over the state abound in pine and Forests all over the state abound in pine and deodar, besides walnut, horse chestnut and wild deodar, besides walnut, horse chestnut and wild black mulberry. Wood has been used to great black mulberry. Wood has been used to great effect in temples and lavishly built palaces. The effect in temples and lavishly built palaces. The steep-roofed pine temples of northern HP often steep-roofed pine temples of northern HP often bear relief figures carved on their outer walls. bear relief figures carved on their outer walls. Intricately carved seats, doors, windows and Intricately carved seats, doors, windows and panels speak volumes of the craftspersons’ skill. panels speak volumes of the craftspersons’ skill. The Bhimakali Temple of Sarahan is a perfect The Bhimakali Temple of Sarahan is a perfect product of the kind.product of the kind.

Woodcarving is still a living tradition in HP. Pahari Woodcarving is still a living tradition in HP. Pahari artisans use wood to make intricate jalis, artisans use wood to make intricate jalis, trelliswork or perforated reliefs that filter light, trelliswork or perforated reliefs that filter light, transforming the interiors of a building with the transforming the interiors of a building with the play of light and shade and balancing mass with play of light and shade and balancing mass with delicacy.delicacy.

The carpenters of both villages and towns make The carpenters of both villages and towns make beautiful objects of everyday use like vedis (low beautiful objects of everyday use like vedis (low benches), bedlegs, cradles, bedsteads, low settees, benches), bedlegs, cradles, bedsteads, low settees, boxes, ladles, churners, rolling pins, wooden boxes, ladles, churners, rolling pins, wooden utensils, charkhas (spinning wheels) and hukka utensils, charkhas (spinning wheels) and hukka nari (the pipe and body of the smoking pipe). You nari (the pipe and body of the smoking pipe). You might like to take back something from their might like to take back something from their range of fruit bowls, beermugs, wooden jewellery, range of fruit bowls, beermugs, wooden jewellery, decorative boxes and carved images. Bamboo and decorative boxes and carved images. Bamboo and willow bark is also stripped and fashioned into willow bark is also stripped and fashioned into sturdy trays and baskets.sturdy trays and baskets.

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