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, From the collection of: 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, From the collection of: Dastkari Haat Samiti
Another variety of stone craft practised by
Jaisalmer Stone: New carving, 2018-01-31, From the collection of: 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, From the collection of: 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, From the collection of: 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, From the collection of: 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, From the collection of: 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.
Jaisalmer Stone: New carving, 2018-02-01, From the collection of: Dastkari Haat Samiti
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, From the collection of: 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, From the collection of: 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, From the collection of: Dastkari Haat Samiti
Workers at a construction site.
Jaisalmer Stone: Stoneware Products, 2018-02-01, From the collection of: Dastkari Haat Samiti
Design Innovation: using traditional materials to create new, usable products
Jaisalmer Stone: Stoneware Products, 2018-02-01, From the collection of: 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, From the collection of: 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, From the collection of: Dastkari Haat Samiti
Articles like mortar-and-pestles find use in local homes.
Jaisalmer Stone: Stoneware products, 2018-02-02, From the collection of: Dastkari Haat Samiti
Others, like these stone goblets, are made with an eye to visitors and tourists.
Jaisalmer Stone: Stoneware Products, 2018-02-01, From the collection of: 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.
Jaisalmer Stone: Stoneware Products, 2018-02-01, From the collection of: Dastkari Haat Samiti
It is believed to have calcium deposits from the remains of ancient marine animals that got fossilised.
Jaisalmer Stone: Stoneware Products, 2018-02-01, From the collection of: 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, From the collection of: Dastkari Haat Samiti
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12 сен 2024
