Rupinder Singh Jabbal, grandson of Sardar Harbhajan Singh Jabbal, the famous theater artist from Amritsar, is the 4th generation craftsman making wooden combs (kanga). His son, now the 5th generation also is a craftsman and works in the family business.

Sardar Harbhajan Singh Jabbal was born on 1st October,1941 to Smt. Beant Kaur Ghatora in Pakistan. His father Sardar Phoola Singh was a master of Ivory work. He himself is a very good craftsman. His model of Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, which was made of Sandal wood fetched the State Award for him. But he is widely recognized as Punjabi comedian. After completing his F.A. from Khalsa College, Amritsar he joined Sardar Thakur Singh School of Fine Arts. In 1963 he joined Dr. Gursharan Singh’s group (popularly known as Bhai Manna Singh). He established Lok Rang Munch. Under this banner he directed and acted in several plays.

Some of the awards given to him are:n -Shrimoni Nat Mandali (Punjab Government)n -President Award from Allahabad Nataya Sanghn -Best Actor Performance Award from Allahabad Nataya Sanghn -Mohammad Rafi Awardn -Prof. Mohan Singh Memorial (Commedy King) Award, Ludhianan -National Award in Handicraftn -State Craft Master from Punjab GovernmentnHe is also president of ‘Lok Rang Munch (Regd.)’, vice president of ‘Doordarshan & All India Radio Artist Welfare Association (Regd.)’, vice-president of ‘Amritsar Ivory Handicrafts-men Association (Regd.)’, vice President of ‘Amritsar Focal Point Industries Association (Regd.)’.

During partition the family moved to Amritsar from somewhere near Lahore. The karkhana was set up first in a village called Kalewal and then near Chatiwind Nehar. The present location is at Focal Point, Amritsar.

Initially the work of crafting kirpan holders, chess, combs and wedding churra, was done with ivory. These are now made with wood such as tali/ sheesham, papri (South Indian elm tree/ jungle cork tree), neem, red sandalwood and aabnoos. Tali is sourced locally from around Amritsar and the others are sourced mainly from Nagpur.

The combs are made out of naturally seasoned wood. No chemical is used in the manufacturing process. The comb is slightly curved for a better grip. Each tooth of the comb is rounded to prevent any sharp edges.

Contact: 8551637121