Sankheda Furniture Craft Cluster

Sankheda Furniture Craft Cluster is a traditional handicraft centre located in Sankheda town in Chhota Udaipur district, Gujarat, about 45 km from Vadodara. It is renowned for its distinctive lacquer-coated teak wood furniture, known as Sankheda furniture, crafted by the Kharadi community. The craft features translucent lacquer work and hand-painted motifs, holds Geographical Indication status, and represents a centuries-old woodworking tradition sustained across family workshops.

Visitors can expect a cluster of small family-run workshops and showrooms spread across Sankheda town where artisans craft and display lacquered teak wood furniture. You can observe wood turning on hand-operated lathes, application of natural lacquer, and hand-painting of traditional floral and geometric motifs. Showrooms display finished items such as chairs, tables, swings, cradles and decorative pieces available for viewing and purchase. The setting is a small town environment with workshop-cum-residences along main roads.

Sankheda furniture craft is a centuries-old tradition practiced by the Kharadi community, who are traditionally wood turners. The craft developed under local patronage and evolved into a distinctive lacquer furniture style using teak wood and natural lac. It was granted Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2007, recognizing its unique origin and traditional methods.

The craft is central to the cultural identity of the Kharadi community in Sankheda and represents Gujarat's rich handicraft heritage. The lacquer work and hand-painted designs reflect traditional Gujarati motifs and artisanal knowledge passed through generations, and the cluster is promoted as a key handicraft tourism destination in Gujarat.