The art of creating elaborate designs in wood by hand, with the help of various carving tools is known as wood carving. Wood carving may vary from floral and traditional motifs to geometrical or abstract patterns and varies greatly between cultures. Carving wooden handicrafts is a laborious process as a great deal of attention and skill needs to be paid to every little detail. Wood carving has been practiced by humans since the earliest civilizations and has been found widespread throughout the globe. In India, wood carving has a long and distinguished history especially the Punjab region. Wood carving in India is a traditional art which is passed on by master craftsmen through the generations. Carving involves shaping wood to make objects of utility and chiseling parts of wood to form intricate designs, with the help of hand tools. Articles of daily use like rolling pins, ladles, walking sticks, and combs are made from softwoods, while exotic wood like sandalwood, ebony, walnut, rosewood and teak are used to carve items of decorative value.

Indian craftsmen are known for a wide range of wooden handicrafts like furniture, decorative panels, wooden screens, toys, spoons, bowls, trays, vases, book stands, jewel boxes, window frames, masks, idols, photo frames, chess sets and beads. In India, each region has developed its own style of structures and carvings. Local traditions and locally available wood varieties have been very influencial in these styles.

Architectural remains from Kashmir Smats in Punjab from the 3rd century show wood carvings while old havelis in Punjab had carved doors and windows. Wood carvings are prominent on many ancient Hindu temples throughout India which were often decorated with various carvings in teak and other woods. The doors of the teniple of Somnath for example were famed for their carved design and are valued as sacred relics. Wood carved temples still stand in Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

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