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Featured Craft for the Month of November 2006 - STONE CARVING
 

A sculpture created by removing material (as wood or ivory or stone) in order to create a desired shape is called carving. Carving is geared up on various materials such as metals, wood, ivory etc.
 

As we discussed that carving can be efficiently done on different materials and through different processes let us see that how carving can be useful in our daily lives. Horn Carved materials for instance are used to make items like combs. From small sized ornamental pins, play item like animal and bird figures to everyday used items like buttons, cigarette cases, little boxes, pen stands and lamps are carved out of them. Other, useful objects like bowls, vases, teapots, attractive showpieces too are carved out.

     
 

 

The exotic beauty of woodcarving and many more led to the development of stone carving in India. . India has a huge resource of different variety of stones and our skilled craftsmen impart life into them. The exotic illustrations of stone carving can be viewed in the form of architecture and sculptures, especially in Khajraho temples. Sanchi are among the finest found anywhere in the world. Gaya, a pilgrim site for the Buddhists also has an ancient tradition of stone carving. Karnataka have a history in carving large works like palace doors, thrones, palanquins and chariots.

 

Even words are short and less if we start describing the stunning sculptures of the Mauryan period, Buddhist carvings at Bharhut and Sanchi and the rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora and last but not least Khajuraho temples. These sculptures are modeled on different prototypes in different parts of India. For examples in Tamil Nadu such sculptures are made in granite, in Karnataka in black stone engraved in fine lines and in Orissa carving is done on softer stones.

The Taj Mahal is an exquisite example of marble works in India. Floral, trellis, creeper and geometric patterns are carved on the white marble surface, and semi precious stones of different colors are set into it. The Makarana marble is used to make utensils in northern- India, as dishes made of curds or lime stay fresh in these.

 

The traditional temples of India that are rich illustrations of Indian stone carvings are the major appealing source for the visitors visiting India. Let it be Sthapathis of Tamilnadu as well as the Somapuras of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Varanasi is one of the important centre for stone carving works where people called the Raidas perform this enormous work. Around Varanasi, Hamirpur, Tehri Garhwal and Bageshwar are famous for statue works whereas Banda is known for agate stone works.

Agra in Uttar Pradesh is famous for its marble stone works. Many pieces like lattice windows, mirror frames, carved brackets, canopies, pendants and filigree works are carved here. The craftsmen are famous for their inlay works. Mostly geometrical and floral patterns are worked on using colored stones and semi precious ones.

Rajasthan maintains a rich tradition of stone carving even in the common domestic buildings. Doorframes are commonly built of red stones. Windows have stone trellis works and even the supporting frame for the loom is made of carved stones. Jaipur is one of the most important centers where a large community of stone carvers carves deities in marble. Large commemorative stones are a common sight in Rajasthan as well as in Gujarat.

Orissa also has a tradition of stone carving. Besides the main deity they also carve figures for the temple friezes. Nowadays-soft stones are used for carving small souvenir items, which are meant for sales to the tourists.

Mahabalipuram in Tamilnadu deals with hard granite stone carvings. There is also a school for training the Sthapathis according to the rules of the ancient Shilpa Shastras.

In Karnataka, Devanahalli a village near Mysore produces carved figures in relief on black stone. The figures not only have the effect of light and shade and a rounded form but also a linear quality.

Durgi, in Andhra Pradesh is another stone carving center where large nandis, bulls and local deity images are carved.

Shilpa Shastra laid certain rules for the ancient stone carvers, just to endow you with beautiful architectures, sculptures and other items of the everyday life. Moreover, whether it is stone carving, woodcarving or the ivory carving – the carving has generated many employment opportunities for the young craftsmen in India.

 
 
 
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