Ladakh is known for its pristine glory as a secluded tourist attraction. It is, however, not just the location of this place that makes it unique, but also its art, culture, and craftsmanship that confers this place a unique identity.<br />”<br />”Among the arts and crafts of Ladakh, one such sublime art is woodcarving, which has been there for centuries and is passed down to generations as a means of invaluable cultural inheritance.<br />”<br />”It is the importance, uniqueness, and unparallel craftsmanship of this art that earned it recognition by being the first local art to be granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.<br />”<br />”AIR correspondent reports, Wood carving, which is known as Shingkos in Ladakh, is a traditional form of art in the handicraft field and is part of the five major fields of knowledge in the traditional education system of Ladakh.<br />”<br />”The traditional knowledge system in Ladakh is classified into ten fields of knowledge, which are further divided into major and minor fields of study.<br />”<br />”The craft of woodcarving is an integral part of the social and religious spheres of life.<br />”<br />”From the architecture of buildings to the enhancement of the aesthetic value of places of worship like monasteries, mosques, and churches to home decor, wood carving holds immense importance in the aesthetics of the region. &quot;<br />”<br />”Various measures were taken towards the introduction of this tag in Ladakh, and it is noteworthy to mention that the Ladakh Timber Association, which also consists of wood carving artisans, initiated for the Geographical Indication Tag in 2020 to protect this art from piracy and to increase the standard of this craftsmanship, which not only endows uniqueness but also serves as a means of strengthening economy in a place like Ladakh where the fragility of the ecosystem limits introduction of rapid industrialization.<br />”<br />”The decision to introduce this tag will have a positive impact on the wood carving industry, says President Rinchan Namgyal of the Ladakh Timber Association, who elaborates that wood carving constitutes a major portion of the architectural display of a building, making it unique to the culture of Ladakh in particular and in general to the craftsmanship of the country. A variety of woodcarving designs are engraved on beams, corridor gates, and pillars with symbolic themes that give out different messages.<br />”<br />”A very important aspect of the woodcarving industry here is its religious importance, inclusion, and acceptance.<br />”<br />”This art not only enhances the aesthetics of the places here but is also important from the point of view of maintaining the sanctity of the sacred places of worship.<br />”<br />”People are enamoured by such design, and which not just invites appreciation for the art but also serves as an instrument of a spiritual belief system.<br />”<br />”Former President of Ladakh Timber Association Stanzin Nang, who actively struggled for recognition and protection of this art through GI tag emphasizes that every monastery and other Buddhist holy places display wood carvings of wild animals like snow leopards, lions, dragons, peacocks and rabbits as sacred artistic expression.<br />”<br />”With growing tourism in the region, the wood carving industry has also got a boost. A special mention is imperative for Choktse, which is a Ladakhi-style table and the carving of eight lucky symbols; both have become major ethnic souvenirs from Ladakh.<br />”<br />”Choktse table has woodcarving art engravings of lotus, jewels, dragons, and other Buddhist symbols believed to be the harbingers of long life. The woodcarving art of Ladakh is ubiquitous. Hotels, resorts, guest houses, and even home-stays have demonstrations of this art that serve as an eye-catching attraction.<br />”<br />”This greatly enhances the decorative, aesthetic, and ethnic value of such places and serves as a major attraction for the guests.<br />”<br />”The widespread craftsmanship of woodcarving also helps the promotion of rural artisans, giving a boost to the middle-class families associated with this industry.<br />”<br />”The importance of this art in the region can be ascertained by the fact that different formal and specialised courses of education are offered on the subject.<br />”<br />”The Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), deemed a university, provides a four-year degree course in Bachelor of Fine Arts in Himalayan Woodcarving, and the District Handicrafts Department conducts a two-year basic trade course in wood carving art.<br />”<br />”<span style="color: #222222;">The grant of the GI tag for wood carving in Ladakh is a significant achievement for the local artisans. This step will not only preserve the important traditional art of woodcarving but will also pave the way for boosting the local economy.&nbsp;</span><br />