ABSTRACT
In common with many parts of the world, woodcarving in India has a long history. The Indian woodcarving industry has two unusual features, however. First, since the late 1940s, there has been a close historical link between the handicraft industry and the state. Second, since 1991, as a result of economic liberalization, there has been very rapid growth (circa 40 per cent per year) in handicraft exports, including woodcarvings. This chapter explores the implications of these two factors in terms of sustainable livelihoods, community-based natural resource management and conservation, and forest biodiversity conservation.
