A glass set with stand

Stone Carvings

India's stone carving tradition is perhaps one of the richest in the world. Guilds of masons and stone carvers have existed since the 7th century B.C. A system of apprenticeship was initially prevalent. Later skills were handed down as family lore, from father to son. The famous rock cut temples of Vidisha, the sculptured stone temples of Khajuraho, the monuments of Orchha and Gwalior, all stand testimony to the excellence and originality of the stone carvers of Madhya Pradesh.

Each region has a distinct style. Gwalior specialises in jalli (lattice) work, Jabalpur and Tikamgarh in decorative items such as statues of animals and human figures.