Sculptural artform has been existing since ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt and Indus Valley. Likewise, this artform has flourished in India for a long time. Rajasthan is one of the states where this culture extends through many artforms, and sculptural art is one of them. Marble and sandstone sculpting are one of the famous sculptural arts which has survived for many generations. They are mostly used for decoration purposes, which were extensively used in old forts, palaces, havelis and even mandir (temples). In today’s world, this cultural artform has evolved into various designs.
Origin of Sculptural Art
Since ancient times India has been one of the important hubs of sculptural art. The material first used by the early humans was stone, primarily to make tools. From there onwards, stone sculpting began, which showcases the creativity of human imagination. We have found evidence of sculptures as far back as the Indus Valley civilization. Many of the guilds or ‘shrenis’ had expert craftsmen who formulated the art of sculpting and passed it down from one generation to another. Stone, marble, soapstone, and sandstone were the main materials used to craft sculptures. This art was more prominent during 3rd century B.C.E, when stone inscriptions and stone edicts were crafted under the reign of Mauryan Empire. Sculptural art can be observed even on ancient temples such as Khajuraho, Konark, Ellora, and Elephanta caves. These temples have highly sophisticated sculpture which now represent the rich tradition of sculptural art in India.
Rajasthan is rich in mineral materials other than sandstone and marble, like- granite, quartzite and slate. The craftsmen have more freedom to choose from among these materials to craft exquisite sculptures. Through stone art and masonry, many of the havelis and palaces have beautiful sculptures made out from marble and sandstone. One of the earliest structures belonging to Mauryan period is still found present at Jaipur which is a circular and timber shrine. It has 26 octagonal carved pillars made out of wood, and much of the remaining structure is of brickwork.
The expansion of sculptural art
After the Mauryan empire and many centuries later, the art of sculpting began to evolve and spread rapidly throughout the state of Rajasthan during the medieval age. Many Rajput kings acted as the patron of this artform which helped this art to flourish and become one of the most important artforms in Rajasthan. Like many other jobs, the art of sculpting was passed down from father to son in a hereditary fashion, which ensured that this art would not lose its importance and beauty in the field of art. For instance, Maharaj Sawai Jai Singh II almost 250 years ago, had taken the help of many skilled sculptors for creating sculptures of deities in his new capital city. The art of sculpting was the work more closely associated to Brahmins as the sculpting of deities during the medieval age was considered holy and only Brahmins were allowed to practice it. But now creating these sculptures is a matter of skills and talent and not of caste or status in the society.
Sculptural Artforms
Background: Rajasthan came to have beautiful sculptural arts of its own long after the decline of Mauryan Empire. The art of sculpting mainly began with sculptures of Gods and Goddesses for the temple, marble and stone sculpted walls and, decorative motifs on the temple. ‘Shilpa Shastra’ explains the origin of art and architecture in Ancient India, and art of sculpting is also described in detail.. Marble and Sandstone sculpting in Rajasthan has initially created the images of religious figures of Gods and goddesses, later on, busts and sculptures of kings and royal family members were also commissioned by the sculptors in Rajasthan.
Below are some of the designs etched on Marble and Sandstone materials.
Marble designs: Marble has been used in various structures such as Konark Temple. But in the modern times marble is found more relevant for creating idols of Gods and Goddesses, and the most famous art style of marble painting. It is said to have originated near 16th century in Rajasthan. The artist mostly uses water and oil to create painting on different sizes of marbles. As this art is unique, it is still practiced in Rajasthan due to its soaring demand in tourism industry.
Sandstone designs: The sandstone sculptors are also known by the name ‘Silavat’, who have a rich history and dates back to centuries. Besides, the sculptures of Hindu deities, this material has been used for many famous structures which stands till today. The most modern and recent example is the Umaid Bhawan Palace of Jodhpur which is built in golden yellow sandstone and known for exquisite craftsmanship.
Makrana: marble has been widely known for its white, shiny and smooth appearance. This material is found in abundance in Jaipur, where many of the workshops still exist, where this material is used to create sculptures of deities. These sculptors belong to Sompura community, who are renowned for using traditional techniques and extraordinary skill to create magnificent sculptures till this day.
Present Scenario
The marble and sandstone sculpting is not under the direct influence of pop culture of modern world. The art of sculpting still survives today, but it is in decline despite being one of the main features of culture of Rajasthan in tourism industry. Ustad Maliram, was one of the great sculptors from Rajasthan who left a great mark in this field of art and culture. Sri Gopichand Mishra was another contemporary artist, who was not only skilled in sculpting but also innovative in using alternative new ways in sculpture making such as using plaster of Paris and cement, and medium of clays in making his sculptures. This artform can only survive if the artists adopt new ways in creating their art as the traditional ways now takes a heavy toll on the health of aged artisans and even on the upcoming artists.
Conclusion
This artform can also survive, if the government takes initiatives in conserving and encouraging the younger generation of artists to take up this age old legacy. The government can also grant funds to these artists so that they are able to afford new machineries to create sculptures in less time with the same quality of work in comparison to the traditional methods. Conducting workshops can also welcome new talents to this field of art which could make this field more innovative and creative.
Sources used:
https://ignca.gov.in/Asi_data/36354.pdf
https://ignca.gov.in/Asi_data/22950.pdf
https://gaatha.org/Craft-of-India/research-marble-sculptures-making-craft-jaipur/
https://handicraftsinindia.svbtle.com/marble-painting-a-fabulous-art-of-ancient-india