• Mysore Rosewood Inlay: Traditional decorative craft associated with Mysore, Karnataka.
• Involves inserting contrasting materials into rosewood to create decorative designs and pictures.
• The inlaid materials are generally made flush with the rosewood surface.
• GI Tag: Granted in 2005 under the Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999.

🪵 Materials Used

• Rosewood – principal base material.
• Other materials mentioned in the source:
  • Ivory
  • Mother-of-pearl
  • Horn
  • Sandalwood
  • Ebony
  • Yellow wood
• The craft produces decorative designs depicting nature and Hindu mythological stories.

🏛️ Historical Background

• Rosewood was used for furniture and artefacts in the Mysore region.
• The source associates its development with the period of Tipu Sultan and later Wadiyar patronage.
• 1914: Mysore royalty sent a casket with an ivory-inlaid photo frame to the British Empire Exhibition.
• The exhibit reportedly won a gold medal.
• This helped increase the craft’s prominence as a tourist attraction and regional handicraft.

🎨 Manufacturing Method

1. Rosewood or other suitable wood is selected.
2. Designs are carved/depressed into the wooden surface.
3. Contrasting materials are prepared for inlay.
4. Materials such as sandalwood, ivory or other decorative substances are inserted into the carved areas.
5. The inlaid pieces form ornamental designs, nature scenes and mythological figures.
6. The finished inlay is generally flush with the wooden surface.

🏷️ GI Status

• Proposed by: Karnataka State Handicraft Development Corporation Ltd.
• Registered under the GI Act, 1999.
• Application submitted to the Office of the Controller-General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, Chennai.
• GI year → 2005.
• Protection links the name Mysuru Rosewood Inlay to the regional craftsmanship, materials, designs and style.

⭐ Exam Quick Revision

• Mysore Rosewood Inlay → Mysore, Karnataka
• Craft type → Decorative wood inlay
• Main wood → Rosewood
• Inlay materials → Ivory, mother-of-pearl, horn, sandalwood
• Other woods → Ebony & yellow wood
• Major themes → Nature & Hindu mythology
• Important historical patronage → Wadiyar rulers
• 1914 → Ivory-inlaid casket/photo frame won gold medal
• GI year → 2005
• GI Act → 1999
• GI applicant → Karnataka State Handicraft Development Corporation Ltd.