Lac is a kind of resin. It is used most profusely widely for turning out attractive ornaments which are coveted also for their alleged power as a kind of charm to be worn.Lathe turners or kharadis are the traditional wood workers. They enjoy a respectable position in the community.
The lacquer ware industry of Varanasi is about 400 years old. It is reported that the artisans of this craft had migrated from Udaipur in Rajasthan. They prospered in Varanasi under the patronage of the Maharaja of Kashi and millions of pilgrims who visited Varanasi as a holy city.