Kinnal Art: The Wooden Wonder of Karnataka


Kinnal Art, also known as Kinhal Craft, is a centuries-old traditional art form from Kinhal village in Koppal district, Karnataka. Known for its vibrant colors, intricate carvings, and religious significance, this unique wooden craft represents the rich artistic heritage of South India.


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🧱 Origin and History

Kinnal Art dates back to the Vijayanagara Empire (14th–17th century), flourishing under royal patronage. It was primarily used to decorate temples, chariots (rathas), and religious idols. Artisans known as 'Chitragars' or 'Bammavalis' passed the skills through generations, keeping the sacred tradition alive.


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🪵 What Makes Kinnal Art Unique?

Base Material: Made from a mixture of wooden powder (sawdust), tamarind seed paste, and water, shaped on lightweight wooden frames.

Color Scheme: Bright primary colors like red, green, yellow, and blue are used, traditionally made from natural pigments.

Motifs: Mainly mythological figures, temple idols, religious symbols, and decorative elements.

Finish: A glossy or gold-finished look is often added using a special lacquer technique.



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🎨 The Crafting Process

1. Wood Carving: The base structure is made using light wood like ponna or hale.


2. Sculpting: Wooden powder paste is used to create details like facial features, jewelry, and clothing folds.


3. Drying: Items are sun-dried naturally to retain shape.


4. Painting: Traditional colors are hand-painted with natural or synthetic dyes.


5. Finishing: Lacquer coating or gold foil (occasionally) enhances the richness.


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🛕 Where Is It Used Today?

Temple chariots (rathotsava)

Decorative home items

Miniature figurines for collectors

Religious festival displays

Souvenirs and cultural gifts



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🛡️ GI Tag and Recognition

Kinnal Art received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2012, marking it as a protected traditional craft of Karnataka. Despite this, the art form faces challenges due to mass production and declining artisan numbers.


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🌱 Preservation and Revival

Organizations and startups are now working to revive Kinnal Art by:

Offering design innovations for modern homes

Collaborating with online platforms for global reach

Encouraging younger generations to learn the art



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🧡 Conclusion

Kinnal Art is not just a decorative craft — it’s a legacy. With roots in spirituality and storytelling, it bridges Karnataka’s history and today’s cultural identity. Supporting Kinnal artisans means preserving a timeless tradition that continues to speak through wood, color, and soul.

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