BONE CARVING IN LUCKNOW,A LIVING TRADITION OF ART

Abstract

India’s artistic legacy is as diverse and layered as its civilization, encompassing centuries of refined craftsmanship. Among the lesser-known but deeply intricate art forms is the tradition of bone carving—a practice that blends resourcefulness with aesthetics and has been kept alive in the historic city of Lucknow, particularly in the modest lanes of Daultaganj. This paper seeks to explore the journey of bone carving as a craft, its deep-rooted cultural and historical significance, the legacy of master artisans like Mr. Jallauddin and Mr. Sallauddin, and how this heritage art is being preserved through contemporary efforts involving publicprivate partnerships, e-governance, and grassroots innovations. Emerging from a confluence of Mughal aesthetics and indigenous techniques, the craft involves labour-intensive processes—peeling, engraving, and shaping bone into intricate patterns often drawing from Islamic geometry and architectural motifs. This paper seeks to explore the evolution of bone carving in Lucknow, focusing on its historical continuity, aesthetic value, and the lives of master artisans like Mr. Jallauddin and Mr. Sallauddin, whose personal and professional journeys mirror the fate of the craft itself. As economic pressures and modernization threaten traditional knowledge systems, the study also examines how new models of preservation ranging from public-private collaborations and institutional support to digital outreach and skill-based training are being employed to safeguard and revitalize this endangered yet invaluable heritage.