‘Dalbergia sissoo’ known commonly as North Indian rosewood or shisham, is a fast-growing, hard, deciduous tree native to the Indian subcontinent and southern Iran. It is the best known economic timber species of the rosewood genus sold internationally, it is also used as fuel wood and for shade and shelter. After teak, it is the most important cultivated timber tree of Bihar, which is the largest producer of shisham timber in India. In Bihar, the tree is planted on roadsides, along canals, and as a shade tree for tea plantations. It is also commonly planted in southern Indian cities such as Bangalore as a street tree.

The logs or pieces are dried before making any product, a process commonly known as seasoning. Locally, it is left in open areas to dry under the sun for about six months. Commercially, it is dried in closed chambers with hot-air circulation for about 7 to 10 days. A moisture level of 5-7% should be achieved otherwise there can be sudden cracking of the final products.