Gujarat's centuries-old Sankheda furniture — a Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged handicraft known for its vivid lacquer work and hand-painted motifs — will be showcased at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for Central Gujarat, scheduled for 29–30 June at GSFC University, Vadodara. The state government is positioning the event as a bridge between traditional artisans and domestic as well as international buyers, under its 'Viksit Gujarat to Viksit Bharat' vision.

What Is Sankheda Furniture

Produced in and around Sankheda village near Vadodara, and in parts of Chhota Udepur district, Sankheda furniture is crafted primarily by the Kharadi artisan community. According to traditional accounts, the craft is roughly 200 years old, tracing its origins to a saint who introduced local carpenter families to the technique of decorating wood with lacquer and metallic embellishments.

Artisans combine traditional woodworking tools with lathe machines to shape timber, then complete each piece through hand-painting, lacquer coating, and polishing. A single item can take approximately one month to produce. The range spans traditional swings, stools, chairs, sofa sets, baby cradles, and dining tables — each piece carrying handcrafted detailing passed down across generations.

Government Support and Income Impact

The Gujarat State Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation has rolled out a structured support programme for artisans, covering participation in exhibitions and fairs, training in modern design, quality improvement, new production techniques, and marketing skills. Financial assistance has also been extended to strengthen competitiveness.

Officials said these interventions have contributed to an estimated 20 to 40 per cent increase in artisan incomes by helping producers align with evolving consumer preferences. Currently, around three Sankheda furniture artisans are directly associated with government-backed initiatives, while thousands more are reportedly linked indirectly to the broader handicraft economy.

From Vadodara to Global Markets

Demand for Sankheda furniture has expanded well beyond Gujarat, reaching urban centres such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Exports have grown to markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates, where traditional swings, chairs, sofa sets, and home décor items have found buyers.

The craft has also been promoted through handicraft fairs and expos in Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Mumbai, and is available through emporiums and direct marketing channels. Its GI tag formally recognises its unique regional identity and protects it from imitation.

What VGRC Is Expected to Deliver

The VGRC, primarily an investment and industrial development platform, is being used this cycle to amplify cultural heritage alongside economic goals. Officials noted that platforms such as VGRC are expected to create fresh opportunities to connect Sankheda furniture with investors, buyers, and global markets, while supporting artisan livelihoods and preserving traditional craftsmanship.

With the conference days away, the spotlight on Sankheda furniture signals a broader state strategy: weaving craft preservation into the investment narrative rather than treating it as a separate cultural exercise.