Traditional Indian spinning wheel known as Charkha, made of wood. These wheels are one of the oldest known forms of spinning wheels. In India more than a working tool, it represents a symbol of independence. Mahatma Gandhi took the Charkha to be a symbol of India's independence, even including it in earlier versions of the Indian flag. This small spinning wheel has a beautiful carving in the shape of a bird and patterns carved with geometric figures engraved in metal.