Sandalwood history dales back to 1792 where Tipu Sultan, Ruler of Mysore state declared it as Royal Tree. Sandalwood was one time considered as main source of economy where the entire state budget was planned based on Sandalwood. (Book Ref: 2017 Gem of Penisular India: Sandalwood ) . Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album L) or “Srigandha” tree isa pride of our nation sandal so it symbolizes our state ‘Karnataka’ KANNDANADU GANDADA BEEDU, Globally. The heartwood of the tree and the oil is in great demand for its high economic value.

Indian Sandalwood is highly prized due to its fragrant wood, consist oil, which is used as a fixative m world class perfumes, aromatherapy, various pharmaceutical preparations and cosmetics Sandalwood is next to ivory and used for carving. Demand of sandalwood in the tune of 20,000 Metric tons and oil is estimated to and 1000 tons in the international markets. In past, Indian sandal wood had monopoly in trade and 90% supply
was from India. Demand of sandalwood and oil is more and supply is only from seized sandal wood.
In recent times the biotic interference has been the main reason for the depletion of the sandalwood growth in our country. During recent years prices of sandalwood and oil have
been.
 Increased Drastically•
 Which has promoted illicit felling.
Trees of more than 40 cm in girth are rare to locate and considered threatened in forests.