The Ivory and Wood craft industry dates back to the time when the Nawabs of Bengal had their court at Murshidabad. This  industry was dependent on the patronage of the wealthy noblemen and it faced a crisis when the Nawabs lost their power.

The ivory carvers were lauded for their exquisite work and the 1851 Exhibition in London had on display these items and were greatly appreciated for their intricate carving and minuteness of detail  They were perhaps the best in India but with loss of support from the Nawab of Murshidabad and Cossimbazar, it was a behemoth to carry on with. They shifted the same expertise to wood.

Any art needs financial support and this community has slowly faded away with a few artisans retaining the skill of their forefathers. Chess men, the Mayurpankhi boat were some of their signature artistic pieces and cruder versions now exist. The original finesse and mastery  can be viewed in artefacts in Museums and personal royal collections. Whispering of the flamboyance that once was.