The Art of Channapatna: A 200-Year-Old Legacy

After Tipu Sultan's reign ended, the royal patronage for Channapatna craft faded, and its workshops fell silent. This video explores how a few artisan families quietly persevered, keeping the wood-turning tradition alive through decades of change, ensuring the craft's story wasn't over.

The revival of Channapatna craft was sparked by a cultural renaissance under the Wodeyar dynasty. In the 1950s, master craftsman Bawa Mia was sent to Japan to study urushi lacquer techniques, blending Japanese finesse with Mysore's traditions and setting the stage for the craft's modern identity.

Meet Hameed, a master artisan who has been with us from the very beginning. From crafting our first designs to helping build our factory, his skill and dedication are woven into the fabric of Varnam. Here, he shares his journey and the pride he takes in his work.

Pallavi is one of the only women in Channapatna to lead her own workshop, a journey we are incredibly proud to have supported. Starting as a shy but talented artisan, she has grown into a powerhouse, expanding her unit and inspiring her team with her grit and skill.

Dilip comes from a long line of Channapatna master craftsmen, and today, he runs his own enterprise at our unit. He doesn't just make; he imagines, solves, and designs, bringing a deep understanding of quality and creativity to every product.

In a craft long dominated by men, we are proud to work with the only women-led artisan unit of its kind in Channapatna. This video celebrates Pallavi, Suganthi, and their team of talented women who are not just preserving a 200-year-old tradition, but reshaping it with their creativity and resilience. They are the heart of our collective.

This is the story of Pallavi, our master craftswoman, told in her own words. From starting her training for a small salary to becoming the first female artisan to run her own unit in Channapatna, her journey is one of determination and sheer hard work.

Pallavi’s journey is a testament to her undeniable talent and passion. She started by mastering our most complex designs and, after years of dedication, agreed to open her own unit. From three lathes to eight in just one year, her story is one of empowerment and perseverance.

This Dasara was a milestone for our artisan family. We helped our artisans, Pallavi and Dilip, start their own independent units, a dream that is often difficult for craftsmen to achieve. We are filled with pride watching them grow and carve their own paths to success.