Stone Crafts of Agra: A Historical Legacy
Learn more about the use of stone crafts in Agra's historical monuments
Dastkari Haat Samiti
Dastkari Haat Samiti
The city of Agra in India’s northern state of Uttar Pradesh is home to skilled stone craftsmen. There are some who are experts in carving and fret work, crafts which are believed to have ancient origins. Then there are the inlay artisans, who make fine designs of semi-precious stone inlaid in marble. This craft is believed to have been introduced here in the 17th century by Persian artisans brought by the Mughal emperor.
Stone Inlay and Carving: At the Taj Mahal (2018-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The city is best known for its historical architecture, particularly the iconic Taj Mahal. Many of the city’s craftsmen claim descent from the artisans who built the Taj and other buildings of the period. The architectural legacy of the Mughal era continues to be a source of inspiration for Agra’s skilled artisans. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is India’s most visited tourist attraction.
Architectural excellence of the Taj Mahal
The sheer purity and perfection of its architectural planning, the drama of its use of red sandstone and white marble set in a geometric Mughal garden, its rich carving and inlay work, and of course its association as a symbol of love – continue to enthrall visitors more than three and a half centuries after the Taj Mahal was built.
Stone Inlay and Carving: At the Taj Mahal (2018-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The majestic main gate and secondary tombs in the mausoleum are built of red sandstone, in dramatic contrast to the white marble of the Taj itself.
Stone Inlay and Carving: At the Taj Mahal (2018-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
An example of syncretic architecture of the Mughals: floral carving combines with geometric inlay work on a red sandstone pillar.
Stone Inlay and Carving: At the Taj Mahal (2018-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Arched recess in the main mausoleum with inlaid Islamic calligraphy.
Stone Inlay and Carving: At the Taj Mahal (2018-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Marble screen panel topped with inlay in semi-precious stone.
Stone Inlay and Carving: At the Taj Mahal (2018-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Inlay panel along the walls on the outer face of the central building.
Stone Inlay and Carving: At the Taj Mahal (2018-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Carved panel along the walls on the outer face of the central building.
Stone Inlay and Carving: At the Taj Mahal (2018-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The design on the outer walls of the main mausoleum presents both opulence and minimalism.
The strip of rich detailing in carving and semi-precious stone adorns the lower levels of the walls, which are otherwise without any other decoration.
Stone Inlay and Carving: At the Taj Mahal (2018-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Panels of jaali or fret work in geometric design, a hallmark of Mughal architecture.
Stone Inlay and Carving: At the Taj Mahal (2018-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are encircled by an octagonal marble lattice screen of superb workmanship.
Stone Inlay and Carving: At the Taj Mahal (2018-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The hues of precious stone used in the perfectly executed inlay make the flowers and leaves appear almost real.
Stone Inlay and Carving: At the Taj Mahal (2018-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The highly polished, intricate marble lattice screen around the cenotaphs.
Stone Inlay and Carving: Agra Fort (2018-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The Agra Fort
The Agra Fort, though not as well known as the Taj, is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its construction as a military fort was started by Emperor Akbar in the mid-16th century. His grandson Shah Jahan later transformed it into a palatial complex. A microcosm of Mughal architecture, the Fort houses a maze of palaces, halls and courtyards, besides a whole underground complex.
The majestic Red Fort of Agra has a colossal double wall of red sandstone, rising more than 20 metres.
Stone Inlay and Carving: Agra Fort (2018-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The elaborate archways of the open Diwan-e-Aam, where the Emperor held audience.
Stone Inlay and Carving: Agra Fort (2018-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Its decorated columns show the Mughals’ attention to detail.
Stone Inlay and Carving: Agra Fort (2018-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The Emperor’s canopy with its imposing decoration is set above the level where the common people gathered.
Stone Inlay and Carving: Agra Fort (2018-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The fine lattice work at the entrance to the Sheesh Mahal, or Palace of Mirrors.
Stone Inlay and Carving: Agra Fort (2018-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Although less known than the Taj Mahal, the inlay work seen in the Agra Fort is in places more elaborate and detailed.
Stone Inlay and Carving: At the Taj Mahal (2018-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Read more about the stunning stonecraft of Agra here:
- How carved and inlaid products are made
- Handcrafted stone products of Agra
Text: Aloka Hiremath
Photography: Sunil Verma
Artisans: Narendar Kumar Verma, Anwar Khan, Mohammad Rais, Vakiluddin and associates in the community
Ground Facilitator: Aloka Hiremath
Curation: Ruchira Verma
