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udayagiri-wooden-cutlery-andhra-pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

The oriental designs of Udayagiri Wooden Cutlery

Unveiling the artistry behind Andhra’s wooden craft

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A land of rulers

Since its establishment in the 14th century, Udayagiri has seen the rise and fall of many empires. Initially ruled by the Gajapati kings of Odisha, Udayagiri became a part of the Vijayanagar Kingdom and later was occupied by chieftains of Golcanda before finally being ruled by the Nawabs. Udayagiri today embraces the Indian unity in diversity, sharing a heritage nurtured by both Hindu and Muslims. Amidst the lush green landscapes, tranquil hills, cryptic caves and ancient ruins, Udayagiri offers an authentic tradition of wooden crafts – the Udayagiri Wooden Cutlery.

Located in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh state, the craftsmanship of Udayagiri’s traditional wooden cutlery has been revered for ages; the knowledge of the craft entrusted like an heirloom to every generation of artisans. Exemplifying eco-friendliness and sustainable living, the use of Udayagiri cutlery is a fine way to dine! 

Carved in history 

The artistry behind Udayagiri’s Wooden Cutlery is believed to have originated during the Quli Qutub Shah dynasty. Near 120 years post its inception, the craft caught the attention of the masses in the late 1980s. Initially, the town’s community of Muslim men were involved in the development of fine carvings, and intrinsic patterns. The abundance of soft wood found in Udayagiri’s bountiful forests turned out to be perfect for the craft. Soon entire families, including the women, began training; fashioning an array of items such as forks, spoons, knives, bowls and much more with dexterity and creativity. 

Today, over a hundred families are engaged in the production of Udayagiri’s gorgeous wooden cutlery.  Women have dominated the sector for many years now – their hard work and commitment to create distinctive, elegant cutlery has ensured the survival of Udayagiri’s unique craft. 

Sustainable and eco-friendly

Udayagiri Wooden Cutlery transcends aesthetics to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. Artisans use wood sourced from local Durgampalli forests, each piece hand-carved and filed without chemical treatment. Cutlery is carved from an array of woods such as the local nardi, devadari, bikki chakka, kaldi chakka and Palabarki. Udayagiri crafts distinguish themselves with their recognizable Persian motifs, featuring beautiful vines and floral designs. This adds a touch of matchless elegance to the earthy vibes of the cutlery. 

The Nardi and Bikki wood is used to craft pallis (smaller spoons). The harder, kaldi wood is utilised for carving bigger spoons and forks that are used to serve curry and rice during traditional Andhra feasts. The delicate, floral twine motifs are carved by drilling holes and a finishing to the pattern is rendered by filing. Tools used in the creation of Udayagiri Cutlery include the Rampam (saw), Sutti (hammer), Badisa (axe), Gor Uli (chisel), Gol Kaadi and Mukhonam Akurai (pointed and triangular files, respectively) amongst an assortment of others. Skilled artisans produce top-notch quality of products, etching authentic designs in wood – of these the Persian motifs are especially popular and represent the influences of Islamic culture in the region.  Other carving patterns admired by patrons are the amini, khajuri, kangura and, perhaps the most beautiful, Dargah ki jaali. 

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Andhra Pradesh

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Remarkable city & timeless craft

Udayagiri is one of those towns that hold the capability of teleporting you to another era. The remarkable architecture of the Udayagiri fort, the mystic caves, sculptures and artefacts adorning the walls of Udayagiri’s many ancient sites – the town is a treasure trove of historic locations. But of course, Udaygiri has its own cultural heritage, its secular beauty observed in the wooden cutlery craft. 

Steeped in Andhra Pradesh's rich cultural heritage, the Udayagiri Wooden Cutlery was recognized by the Indian Government and granted the Geographical Indication tag in 2015. Visitors of the historic town can watch artisans create exquisite art out of a literal block of wood. Besides cutlery, Udaygiri wooden crafts have expanded to include a range of products such as pen stands, combs, clocks, trays, toys, keychains and other decorative items. Local markets and shops provide numerous purchase options for taking a piece of this timeless craft home. An opportunity not to be missed!