Home > Arts & Culture > Indian Crafts > Stone Crafts of West Bengal
Stone Crafts of West Bengal
Stone Crafts of West Bengal are known for the usage of stones for religious as well as utility purposes.

Share this Article:

Stone Crafts of West BengalThe stone crafts of West Bengal are centered round Simulpur in Midnapur, Patun, Dainhata and Burdwan. The traditional stone carvers are called by the name of Sildah or Bhaskars or Sutradhars in West Bengal. The most important centre of Bengal school of Stone Sculpture is located in Burdwan.

The stone crafts of West Bengal are well admired for the excellent sculptures, the carved panels and plaques in the temples in the region. The Bhaskars or Sutradhars generally use brick-red stone to create stone figurines for temples and sometimes for houses. The artisans of this state create a huge variety of utensils and other utility items with a semi-soft grey stone which is known by the name of Phyllite. This particular craft reached its zenith during the Pala dynasty. The Buddhist and Tantrik cult of that period have conceived their own god-form which became the subject matter of the creations of the local artisans. The artisans with their indigenous style and creativity make different articles like bowls, cups and plates of various shapes and sizes. Sometimes the mythological images and religious deities are created out of stones, among which intricately carved elephants and the idol of Goddess Durga are widely found in the local market of West Bengal.

The temple of Belur in West Bengal which was founded by Swami Vivekananda, the disciple of Ram Krishna, is an example of excellent stone work of the West Bengal artisans. This temple is built majorly on a chunar stone and some portions in the front part of the temple are made of cement. This temple exhibits three umbrellas like domes at the top which are built in Rajput-Moghul styles.

The stone craft of West Bengal, though rarely found, shows artistic capability and adaptability of incorporating the traditions of different religion and culture.

This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Indian Crafts


Ancient Indian Jewellery
Indian Jewellery has its roots in ancient times which gradually improved with dawn of every new civilization in India. The charm of jewellery and the beauty of Indian women by adorning it never separated.
Jewellery in Mughal Period
Jewellery in Mughal Period was one of the most dominant parts of the Mughal tradition. Royal members of the family including both men and women used to display their wealth and status by wearing heavy jewellery.
South Indian Jewellery
South Indian Jewellery pieces are primarily made out of gold and worn during traditional festivals and weddings. The designs are inspired from the fresco paintings.the fresco paintings.
Crafts of Nagaland
The crafts of Naga have not only a national market but have created an impact amongst the foreign tourists as well. The intricate handicrafts of the region have a rustic appeal which makes them unique in appearance and environment-friendly as well.
Crafts of Lakshadweep
The crafts of Lakshadweep are a colourful conglomeration of the rich culture of the people living in the island.
Embroidery of Gujarat
Embroidery of Gujarat has been admired as one of the best creations because of the creativity.
Crafts of Haryana
The crafts of Haryana are rooted to the rural economy and are more than artistic showpieces, they are utilitarian in nature originally crafted as home utility and décor items. With the wave of modernization, these crafts have been remodeled aesthetically while also preserving its rustic appeal.