Wood lacquering is popular in Karnataka and Maharashtra. Traditional woodwork like painted cradles, boxes and ganjifa and the set of playing cards, are painted with religious and mythological figures. Wood inlay, wh ich developed and flourished with the Mughal influence, is done with bits of ivory, plastic, horn, metal pieces or other types of wood into carved surfaces of wooden items. This is found in various parts of the country such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. The Mughal designs of Uttar Pradesh such as the fretwork, jali or the anguri work are also very popular.
Rare woods have special uses.
Ebony and rosewood are carved into trinket boxes in Uttar Pradesh, while in Karnataka they are inlaid with ivory. Hand fans made here from thin slivers of sandalwood spread aroma in the room. The architecture too is famous. It is elaborate and elegant with its p rojected balconies, decorative windows and doors. The beautiful traditional homes of Kerala, built with teakwood are brilliant pieces of architecture.