Design Resource
Stone Carving - Varanasi
The Skillful Crafts in Stone
by
Introduction
Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh has very rich deposits of red stone. The experienced stone artisans of Varanasi have been doing stone carving since 50 years. The art has been carried from older generation to retain the tradition. Blocks of red stone is first cut and carved roughly. The detailing is obtained by fine carving. Highlighting facial expressions with artificial colors can be said as special feature in their carving. The stone artisans in Varanasi are called as Girharwal locally. Men involve in carving. Women help in polishing and washing the final idols. In Varanasi, there are nearly 20 to 30 families engaged in stone carving.
