KINHAL: The exquisite craft of Karnataka

Abstract

Karnataka has a huge repository of timeless crafts which needs to be preserved and continued and Kinhal craft is one among the many. Kinhal Craft is atraditional woodencraftlocal to the town ofKinhal. It is culturally a rich craft of hand painted wooden articles. The craft flourished under the royal patronage of the Vijayanagara Empire and received support from the Nawab of KoppalDesais of Kinhal and more importantly from the NawabSalar Jang of Hyderabad. The entire town of Kinhal is famous for its toys and religious idols. The Chitragars paint gods and goddess of Vaishnavism and Shaivism, scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharatha, Skandapurana, Navagrahas etc. The method of preparation with the light wood, kitta and lejjawara is distinctive. The art form is thematic and possesses a powerful energy with a colourful appearance and is aesthetically beautiful.This paper deals with the cultural resources of local communities in Karnataka, the effects of technology on the craft and a need to revive the Kinhal toys that possesses an intense flavour of Karnataka’s heritage.