Dastkari Haat Samiti
Dastkari Haat Samiti
The rich architectural heritage of Agra is enriched by two craft traditions, those of stone carving and inlay. Stone carving has ancient origins, and in fact is found in various centres of north India. Inlay work with semi-precious stone in marble, on the other hand, was introduced by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, and is unique to Agra. He brought skilled Persian artisans to train local craftsmen, who were then put to work on his inspired projects.
Historically, both the crafts had architectural applications. They can be seen in the architectural legacy of the city on a grand scale. Their best known examples are in the iconic Taj Mahal, which remains a source of inspiration for the craft. Their current avatars have taken on a modified form, employed on a much smaller products.
In Agra itself, all manner of carved and inlaid stone artefacts are seen in the form of decorative articles and souvenirs that can conveniently pack into a tourist’s luggage. The craftsmen’s products also travel further afield to high end stores dealing with interiors and lifestyle products. Here they are found also in larger form – as lamps, screens, and furniture. Marble inlay table tops as large as 6 x 4 feet are sold in the major metros of India, and find their way also to the export market.
Parallel to the reduction in size of hand crafted stone products, there has progressively been an increase in the refinement of design. Mostly staying within the geometric and floral design vocabulary of their forebears, the stone craftsmen of Agra have taken the tradition to a much more delicate and intricate level.
Stone crafted products of Agra
Stone Inlay and Carving: Craft of Agra (2018-02) by Narendar Kumar Verma, stone artisan from Agra and winner of UNESCO Seal of ExcellenceDastkari Haat Samiti
Locally known as jaali work, hand carved fret-work requires a mastery of the medium and technique.
Stone Inlay and Carving: Craft of Agra (2018-02) by Narendar Kumar Verma, stone artisan from Agra and winner of UNESCO Seal of ExcellenceDastkari Haat Samiti
The artisans have mastered the art of carving within a carved object, a technique known locally as 'undercut'.
Stone Carving: Craft of Agra (2018-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Detail of a hand carved soapstone.
Some fret-work or jaali designs are made completely by hand, requiring a high degree of skill and precision on the part of the artisan.
Stone Inlay and Carving: Craft of Agra (2018-02) by Narendar Kumar VermaDastkari Haat Samiti
Hand carved jaali or fret-work is used for decorative products like boxes.
Stone Inlay and Carving: Craft of Agra (2018-02) by Narendar Kumar Verma, stone artisan from Agra and winner of UNESCO Seal of ExcellenceDastkari Haat Samiti
Hand carved jaali or fret-work is also used to made utilitarian products like candle holders.
Stone Inlay and Carving: Craft of Agra (2018-02) by Narendar Kumar VermaDastkari Haat Samiti
Carving and fret-work are used to make a variety of decorative objects.
Stone Inlay: products made using the city's unique craft
Stone Inlay and Carving: Craft of Agra (2018-02) by Anwar HandicraftDastkari Haat Samiti
Detail of a marble inlay table top with design made with lapis lazuli and mother of pearl.
Stone Inlay and Carving: Craft of AgraDastkari Haat Samiti
A decorative plate with inlay of malachite, onyx and mother of pearl.
Stone Inlay and Carving: Craft of AgraDastkari Haat Samiti
Decorative plate with inlay of onyx, malachite, lapis and turquoise.
Stone Inlay and Carving: Craft of AgraDastkari Haat Samiti
Detail: vase with inlay of onyx, malachite, lapis and turquoise.
Stone Inlay and Carving: Craft of AgraDastkari Haat Samiti
Decorative bottle with inlay of lapis, onyx, turquoise and malachite.
Stone Inlay and Carving: Craft of AgraDastkari Haat Samiti
Elephant with inlay of turquoise and mother of pearl, combining inlay and carving work.
Stone Inlay and Carving: Craft of AgraDastkari Haat Samiti
Detail of a table top of inlaid black marble.
Stone Inlay and Carving: Craft of AgraDastkari Haat Samiti
Table top of inlaid black marble.
Stone Inlay and Carving: Craft of Agra (2018-02)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Read more about the stunning stonecraft of Agra here:
- Stonecrafts of Agra: A historical legacy
- How Carved and Inlaid Products are Made
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
