Jabalpur Stone Craft is a celebrated art form of Madhya Pradesh that epitomizes the craftsmanship, creativity and culture. The craft showcases artistic dexterity and heritage through its intricate carvings and design ideas. This craft is primarily practiced in the Bhedaghat region – a renowned marble rock formation center on the Narmada river with limestone cliffs rising 30 meters above the river waters and other hard and soft marbles. This art has recently won the GI tag and the region has also been nominated for UNESCO award.

Bhedaghat
Origin and Flourish
The origins of Jabalpur Stone Craft is entangled with the history of Kalachuri dynasty (circa 10th century) who created their heritage through patronage of arts and architecture. The craft is rooted back to this period and depicts the culture and traditions that have been carried forward through generations of craftsmen. The making of idols seems to be inspired by the idols in the ancient temple of Chousath Yogini in Bhedaghat, in which Shiva and Paravati are riding the Nandi, but primarily Goddess Durga is a primary deity of the . The hereditary craftsmen belong to the Visvakarma caste. While some are Jharia and Adivasi and some are Muslims who have learnt the craft, but mostly the craftsmen are Hindus. The practice of this craft can be traced back to the historical sources, including the Imperial Gazetteer and local records.

The Chousath Yogini Temple
Under the royal aegis, artisans honed their skills, creating religious idols mainly detailed with intricate panels and embellishments. By the 19th century, the region gained international acclaim when a marble block from Jabalpur was displayed at the Paris Exhibition of 1865 and hailed as comparable to Italian marble. With time, the artists started creating objects like home decor items and other objects that would attract the mass for utilitarian purposes too. The artists used its tourism to boost the demand for its niche craftsmanship.
Designs and Uniqueness
The motifs and designs in Jabalpur Stone Craft bring out synergies of tradition, nature, and cultural ethos. Artisans take inspiration from local flora and fauna, mythological tales, and daily life. This results in a repertoire that involves religious idols, animal forms, geometric patterns and decorative floral designs.

Stone sculptures of Gods, Goddess and their vahanas
Deities and Mythological Figures:
The depiction of Hindu gods and goddesses like Shiva, Durga, and Ganesh originated from the ancient Indian religious beliefs and these motifs predominantly form the basic designs of the craft. The motifs are also heavily influenced by the Chausath Yogini Temple, emphasizing on spiritual and cultural continuity. Other forms of religious figures like the vahanas of Gods are made like Nandi, a sacred bull who was the mount of lord Shiva are also a traditional form of Jabalpur stone crafting. These motifs bridge the spiritual and cultural connection. The deities signify blessings, protection and prosperity while the vahanas embody loyalty, service and strength. The replication of idols is an age old practice to preserve and continue the Hindu worship practices.
Animal Forms:
Inspiration of the animal motifs can be traced to the ancient art form, including temple sculptures, folk art tradition and mainly the diverse fauna of the region. Animals like lions, elephants, and peacocks are frequently depicted which can be traced back to the royal insignias and temple carvings. Each animal carries a deep symbolic meaning. For instance – lions symbolize strength and protection and are associated as a vahana of Goddess Durga while elephants represent wisdom, stability and prosperity and are seen as a symbol of Lord Ganesha. Peacocks highlight beauty and grace, symbolizing immortality and adds demeanor of royal heritage. These motifs are often used in both religious and decorative contexts. Other animals are also made in different sizes according to the demands. It is interesting to note that the eyes of the animals are often embellished with stones to add a touch of grandeur.

Stone sculpture with animal. floral and geometric motifs
Floral Motifs:
Inspired by the region’s natural surroundings, floral motifs like lotus and others. The lotus, in particular, holds deep spiritual significance in Indian culture with references found in ancient texts like Vedas and Upanishads, representing enlightenment and detachment. Often found in the Mughal art and temple art, the lotus represents purity and growth as it blooms in muddy water. Floral motifs are mainly used to add beauty of nature and spiritual ideas. Additional floral designs like leaves, veins and creepers are incorporated to adorn the empty spaces and create a harmonious and intricate pattern.
Geometric Patterns:
The intricate geometric designs are often inspired by Mughal architecture and temple ornamentation and are associated with the mathematical principles found in ancient Indian texts like Shulba sutra. The symmetrical and intricate patterns reflect upon mathematical precision and spiritual balance. These patterns symbolize harmony and interconnectedness that is deeply connected with the ancient beliefs of cosmos and balance of life. Other symbols like the swastika and other religious symbols are also incorporated to symbolize auspiciousness, prosperity and blessing from the Gods. The geometric patterns are versatile and have changed with time to adopt the modern taste.
Modern Adaptations:
The adaptations of contemporary designs are drawn from the traditional motifs, blending them with abstract patterns to create unique aesthetic and to mark the artist’s signature carving technique creating a new identity. Contemporary designs incorporate abstract patterns and functional aesthetics to cater to global markets while maintaining traditional elements. These styles bridge the gap between heritage and innovation. The evolution supports the artists to continue with their traditional practice of carving by adding a personal flair to sustain their livelihood.
The uniqueness of Jabalpur Stone Craft lies in its intricate detailing, symmetrical precision and the artisans ability to transform hard stone into delicate, lifelike representations. Each motif carries cultural, religious, or philosophical significance, making these crafts timeless treasures.
Method of Production
Jabalpur is famous for decorative items including human figures and statues of animals. Two types of marble used by the craftsmen of Jabalpur – Hard Marbal and Soft Marble. Marble is the main raw material and is available in many shades and qualities at Bhedaghat.
The craftsmen use traditional tools as the stone work does not require any machinery. The tools used by craftsmen are ergonomically good and easy to use and hold. Key tools include :
- Saw or Aari: Utilized for cutting the stone slabs into the required sizes.
- Hammer or Hatodi : Applied to hit the chisel for carving. The wooden head hammer is utilized for soft strokes to get fine details. The ones with big metal heads are utilized for initial removal of the stone. Later small head hammers are utilized for detailed and intricate works/motifs.
- Chisel or Chheni : Two types of chisel; flat headed is applied for removing unwanted material to get a rough outline on the stone and round chisel is utilized for minute or detailed work- usually for carving ornaments, face, eyes etc.
- Drills and Files: Utilized to carve out fine folding of the garments and other facial expressions, thus mainly for intricate patterns and smoothing edges.
Materials like wax polish, acrylic or oil colours, araldite, precious and semi precious stones, gold and silver foils, sand paper and red soil or geru are the other materials that are used in the process of making the stone carvings.

Artisan sculpting the stone using hammer and chisel
The process of making the stone sculptures is mainly done using the following steps.
- Stone selection: Local Marbles and soap-stones are preferred for their fine quality and in recent times the marbles have also been purchased from places like Rajasthan. The quality of the marble is carefully assessed to make sure its durability and suitability for the intricate designs.
- Marking and Cutting: Artisans use pencils, markers, and traditional compasses (prakaar) to outline designs on the stone surface. Initially a rough measurement is done by drawing lines along the axis to get a clear idea about the shape that is to be created using the marble and its proportions are roughly measured too. Once the marking and outline is carved, the artisan with the help of hammer, chisel and drill extracts bring-out the final figure by removing the unwanted material. One of the most essential requirements is of constant water supply during the process of stone cutting so that the dust settles down.
- Finishing: Artisans use sandpaper to smoothen the rough parts of the stone carving. Then the process of cladding is employed to achieve the desired results. In this process, usually acrylic paints are used. In laying of semi precious and precious stones are being done to beautify the carving. Finally polishing is done to make the marble shine. In the last steps of the whole process, women play a major role.
Nowadays, artisans have integrated modern techniques to meet global demands. These include laser engraving for precision and computer-aided designs (CAD) for designing the prototypes. Despite modernization, the essence of the craft remains rooted in manual skill and artistry.
Challenges and Preservation
Researchers have shown health hazards as one of the biggest challenges in this industry. Prolonged exposure to stone dust poses occupational health risks such as respiratory issues and eyesight loss and other issues. Artists also face immense competition from machine made alternatives and other forms of stone carving products which has created challenges to create greater demand for the product in the market. Another challenge has arisen by relying heavily on local marble mining has created a big scarcity for raw material as now the mining has slowed down. This has increased dependency on external sources raising the cost of production. Shortage of skilled workforce from the younger generation marks a risk of losing this heritage craftwork with time.
Preservation Efforts like granting the GI tag in 2022, ensures legal protection, authenticity, and global recognition of the craft. Skill development programs and marketing support by government and NGOs help artisans sustain their livelihoods. Collaborative efforts like partnerships with designers and global exhibitions provide exposure and create new markets. Promoting the craft through tourism and cultural festivals has played a vital role in preserving the culture and attracting a wider audience. This has also fostered appreciation among younger audiences.

Modern stone sculpture of Jabalpur
Evolution and Where It Stands Today
Initially focused on religious idols and architectural elements, the craft has now diversified into modern decor items, jewelry, and utility products. Contemporary artisans blend traditional techniques with innovative designs to cater to evolving tastes. Jabalpur Stone Craft has gained international acclaim, featuring in exhibitions in Japan, France, and the USA. Celebrities and designers frequently flaunt these crafts, enhancing their appeal in global markets.
While challenges persist, the craft remains a vital part of Madhya Pradesh’s cultural and economic landscape. Sustained efforts from artisans, government bodies, and cultural enthusiasts continue to preserve and promote this heritage. Jabalpur Stone Craft is more than an art form; it is a testament to human ingenuity, cultural richness, and the enduring legacy of Madhya Pradesh.