Stone Carving is one of the most recognised craft of Odisha as it is one of the oldest crafts practiced in the State.
The origin of Stone Carving in Odisha dates back to 13th century AD when medieval North India architecture of Kalinga School was in a flourishing stage. The World famous Konark Sun Temple dedicated to the Hindu Sun God Surya, that came up in this period is one of the finest examples of World’s Cultural and Architectural marvels. Since then this tradition is following from generation to generation.
Besides Sun Temple of Konark, Lingaraj and Shri Jagannath; Mukteshwar and Rajarani shrines in Bhubaneswar, the sixty four joginis temples in the outskirts of Bhubaneswar and the Buddhist stupas of Udayagiri and Ratnagiri are amongst the finest expositions of Stone Carvings in the World. As the confluence of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism the state’s stone statutory exhibits an unparalleled blend of styles. These monuments bear testimony to the timeless skill of Odishan craftpersons in stone carving.
The durability of stone has allowed sculptural and architectural fragments to endure throughout history. Even before stone was used as a sculptural material, it was used as an artist’s tool. The earliest works of art made by humans include ancient cave paintings, some carved with flint. Stone can be dug from the surface and carved with hand tools and is more durable than wood, and carvings in stone last much longer than wooden artifacts.
Stone carving is a thriving vocation with the State producing many acclaimed artisans who are recipient of national and international awards and accolades including Padma Bibhusan & Padma Shree Awards.
The tools used are few and simple- hammers, mallets and chisels of various shapes & sizes with local names such as guna, tagi, martula, thuk-thuki and nihana. While martula is a conventional iron hammer, a thuk-thuki or wooden mallet is used for working on softer stone and for intricate sections of the motifs.
The making process starts by selecting fine quality stone. An outline of the figure is drawn on the stone after it is cut as a block of the required size. The outline is incised to mark the shape of the motif. The figure is then carved out by removing the redundant portions with the chisel.
Iconic sculptures from Odisha’s temples such as the Konark wheel have been replicated at many places in the Country. A pair of lions, horses or elephants placed on either side of the entrance to a building or campus is a typical Odishaqn sculpture one comes across in many places.
Ornate gates made by joining multiple pieces of carved stone are used to adorn posh properties and for urban beautification.
Idols of Hindu deities are in demand within the State and in the national & international craft market. Lord Ganesh is the most popular idol while other deities include Krishna & Radha, Laxmi & Narayana, Buddha, Nrusingha, Haraparvati etc.
Traditional stoneware utensils and bowls are produced by a simple process of turning & polishing on a kunda or lathe. Plates, bowls, cups & saucers and tumblers are commonly available and attractively polished. These are mostly used for rituals at home in the past, but demand for these traditional stoneware items has grown in recent times as it is seen to be both fashionable and healthy.
In March 2008, Odisha has earned GI (Geographical Indication) Tag for stone carving namely “KONARK STONE CARVING”.