Handcrafted Stone of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

A range of products made in naturally occurring stone in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Dastkari Haat Samiti

Dastkari Haat Samiti

Jaisalmer Stone: Crafting the stone (2018-02-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti

A rich tradition of stone craft

The desert city of Jaisalmer in India’s north western state of Rajasthan, has a rich tradition of stone craft. Most visible in the abundant historical architecture of the city, it is carried forward in contemporary construction as well. While the finest carvings and fretwork in stone are seen in older buildings, modern construction uses the same design vocabulary. 

Jaisalmer Stone: New carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Floral and geometric patterns used for pillars, balconies and screens; carved cupolas and ornamental friezes - are elements incorporated in many a new home and hotel.

Jaisalmer Stone: Crafting the stone (2018-02-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Another variety of stone craft practised by the skilled artisans of the town is the production of utility items in simple forms. The electric lathe is the basic tool used for this craft. Along with the golden sandstone the town is known for, another local stone is also used for these products. This is the so-called fossil stone, said to have deposits from the remains of ancient marine animals. The stone is believed to have medicinal value. Another popular feature is its ability to convert milk into curd.

Jaisalmer Stone: New carving (2018-02-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Merging the old and the new: using traditional crafts skills for modern-day buildings

Jaisalmer Stone: New carving (2018-01-31)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Ornamental stone doorway in a contemporary building in Jaisalmer. The city is known for its stone carving, widely seen in its rich architectural heritage.

Jaisalmer Stone: New carving (2018-01-31)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Modern buildings in the city at times combine stone carving with other design elements, such as the use of different coloured stone in this passageway.

Jaisalmer Stone: New carving (2018-01-31)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Many of Jaisalmer’s institutions – schools, hotels, mosques, temples – have retained traditional style carved sandstone in their architecture.

This common thread unites the old and new, giving the city a distinct character of its own.

Jaisalmer Stone: New carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti

An ornate panel, based on the window frame design common in traditional Rajput architecture. Much of the contemporary stone carving is inspired by the traditional work seen in old buildings.

Jaisalmer Stone: New carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Windows with carved stone fretwork, seen in a new building. This traditional workmanship serves to screen the areas within, while affording a view of the external world.

The shade of the carved stone screens also keeps out the harsh desert sun. In the days of old, the quarters of the Rajput women employed such features to conceal them from external eyes.

Jaisalmer Stone: New carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Stone carving combined with the use of wood and glass in a contemporary building. Carvings in the older buildings are more delicate and detailed compared to newer work.

Jaisalmer Stone: New carving (2018-01-31)Dastkari Haat Samiti

A hotel under construction. True to its appellation as the ‘golden city’ Jaisalmer has continued its use of local yellow sandstone as the basic construction material.

Hand work is a defining element in the city’s architectural style.

Jaisalmer Stone: New carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Workers at a construction site.

Jaisalmer Stone: Stoneware Products (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Design Innovation: using traditional materials to create new, usable products

Jaisalmer Stone: Stoneware Products (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti

In addition to the architectural application of sandstone, the city’s artisans also craft smaller, undecorated stone products.

Jaisalmer Stone: Stoneware Products (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti

These are primarily turned on the lathe, and take the form of a variety of everyday objects.

Jaisalmer Stone: Stoneware Products (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Articles like mortar-and-pestles find use in local homes.

Jaisalmer Stone: Stoneware products (2018-02-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Others, like these stone goblets, are made with an eye to visitors and tourists.

Jaisalmer Stone: Stoneware Products (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti

In addition to the yellow sandstone of Jaisalmer, another reddish brown stone is also used to make small products. This is the so-called fossil stone, found in Habur village, 40 km away from Jaisalmer.

It is believed to have calcium deposits from the remains of ancient marine animals that got fossilised.

Jaisalmer Stone: Stoneware Products (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti

The nature of the stone gives it a distinct character. This makes for interesting souvenirs, like these pyramid shaped paper weights popular amongst tourists.

Jaisalmer Stone: Crafting the stone (2018-02-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Other features of this stone are its purported medicinal value, and its ability to convert milk to curd. Small vessels like these are made with this in mind.

Jaisalmer Stone: Stoneware products (2018-02-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti

A fossil stone article with a natural translucent deposit.

Jaisalmer Stone: Stoneware Products (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Jaisalmer is dotted with numerous small shops that sell stone products made of local sandstone and fossil stone.

While the crafting of small stone products is a relatively new skill, it is now as ubiquitous in Jaisalmer as the stone carving found in the city’s architecture.

Jaisalmer Stone: Old carving (2018-02-01)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Credits: Story

Text: Rashmi Sacher
Photography: Subinoy Das
Artisans: Kamal Kishore Vaishno and his team of crafts people, Ladoo Ram, workers at Ricco industries
Ground Facilitator: Rashmi Sacher
Curation: Aradhana Nagpal

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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