Stone Carving of Gujarat

In this craft, rough stones hewn from quarries are transported to the work site. The stone is cut to suitable sizes and outlines of the desired designs are marked with the help of geru or red oxide mixed with water. The sompura community of stone-carvers from Wadhwan in Kathiawar created the farmed Somnath and Dwarka temples. The carved stone brackets on the facades of old houses and temples in Gujarat are also the handiwork of the sompura community. Gujarat is famous for building structures for various utilarian purposes as well. Water structures, ritualistic spaces, funerary structures, forts and palaces.

The stone carving techniques have evolved through time. One of the most intricate examples of stone carving craft in Gujarat is the jaali/ fretwork. Detailed and delicate work is also done on jhorukhas/balcony , chajjas/ ceilings and stambhas/pillars.