> [!NOTE]+ Meta > Author:: [[Lalita Waldia]] > Reference:: https://www.thejugaadproject.pub/home/likhai-wood-carving > Date:: 2022-08-13 > Tags:: #India #wood > WeftLinks:: [[Historical value of craft]] ### Summary This article demonstrates that the craft of wood carving is a prism that unfurls the amalgamation of the western Himalayan region's diverse cultural and historical influences. The motifs, intricacy, and techniques used in the craft reveal the narratives that changed over time with changing socio-economic conditions. > The magnificent wooden door from Swai depicts folkish treatment where the day to day life of the tribal people of region Bharmaur has been carved. In case of state Kothi, that was built by king Prithvi Singh of Chamba (1641-64) depicts the court scene of the king and the Mughals. There was a huge influx of people from the mainland that eventually impacted the crafts tradition. The Mughals influence was not confined to just political sphere but also was reflected in the local craft. The famous carved latticework, locally known as _pinjara_; the chinar leaf from the Kashmiri migrants and the elimination of figural elements, which was considered as a strict taboo, were some influences of the Mughals on the craft. There was a huge influx of people from the plains after the Maratha wars in 1774 to the western Himalayas which also brought elements from Maharashtra and Gujarat.