Stone crafts of Chhattisgarh are an amalgamation of the tribal culture and the artistry of the local artisans as well. The stone articles created by the tribes are the instances of creative exuberance. These crafts of Chhattisgarh also mirror the simplicity and intensity of the native people.
The stone crafts of Chhattisgarh have attained great heights due to the ample availability of good quality stones that can be easily carved and are not fragile. The tradition of the stone crafts in Chhattisgarh has been preserved by the tribal artisans of this place. The availability of the stone called Sudapaal stones, which are of pink and white colour in the Bastar region, are hugely used for stone carving as they are soft and easily accessible. The artisans use different tolls like Basulas (stone cutter), chisels called Pataasis etc., for stone carving and after the carving is complete the artisans polish the items with sandpaper to give the items a natural gleam. The polishing is also done with stones which are called battas. The artisans create intricate designs with curved motifs. The artisans have a sound knowledge of the sense of measurement and to give the figures the perfect proportion, the artisans use a simple compass like instrument of measurement called Guniya.
The stone crafts of Chhattisgarh involve the participation of the women and children in making the stone items full fledged. Basically men do the main carvings and women and children are engaged in polishing the items. The idols are identified by different names like Tatiya saaj and akshang idols. While the Tatiya saaj idols are carved on a thick rock as two-dimensional relief work, the akshang idols are three dimensional. With their artistry and experience, the artisans create these idols with intricate carvings without any prescribed measurements. The craftsmen create the idols of Hanuman, Ganesha, Shiva, Parvati and sometimes human and animal figures are also created that stand typical of the Chhattisgarh stone carving. Sheopur is a place where a traditional form of stone craft is practiced. This craft is mainly practiced by the tribal people of the area. The tribal artisans also decorate door frames with intricate creeper designs and also make different idols.
The stone crafts of Chhattisgarh are the masterworks that catch the fancy of the art lovers and the tourists as well. The stone craft is expanding in different sectors of different regions due to the fact that the art works are exported in different countries of the world.
