Nagina wood craft: carving heritage and sourcing guide

Nagina, a town in Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh, has been a centre of fine wood carving for generations. Nagina wood craft is recognised for intricate hand carving in sheesham and ebony, and today its artisan families supply decor, gift and utility products to buyers around the world.

Woods and techniques

• Sheesham (Indian rosewood) — dense, richly grained, ideal for carved boxes and decor.
• Mango wood — sustainable and affordable for larger runs.
• Ebony and teak — for premium accents and fine detailing.
• Techniques include relief carving, inlay, lathe turning and hand polishing.

Signature products from Nagina

Alongside traditional carved boxes and decor, Nagina workshops now make wooden cremation urns, nautical decor and wooden crochet hooks and knitting needles for craft retailers. Exporters such as Woodzire, based in Nagina, Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, India, are one example of how the town's carving skills now reach international buyers.

Sourcing from Nagina

• Visit or request video calls to see workshops and finishing lines.
• Check wood seasoning and moisture levels for export climates.
• Agree on finish samples before bulk production.
• Combine shipments with nearby Moradabad handicraft manufacturers to reduce freight cost.

Read more in our guide to handicraft manufacturers in India.