सोमवार, 9 सितंबर 2013

Marble Sculptures Of India

Since ancient times, marble is the best choice to craft statues and sculptures. These sculptures are not just durable but stylish and elegant as well. In the world of art, sculptures made up of marble enjoy a unique place. Every state of the country has the art of stone sculpting in it. Most of the marble sculptures of India are dedicated to the religious purposes. A number of idols and statues of deities are crafted from marble. Also carvings of architecture are made out of marble. All the artwork of marble sculptures holds the excellence of the patterns and style of best craftsmanship and exhibits great quality.

Marble Sculptures of Ancient and Medieval India
The art of the mosaic inlay work was known to Indians even before the advent of the Mughals. Also, this art was widely prevalent in the country before Mughals started making use of this art. Temples of India house this art in form of partially or entirely carved marble patterns on walls and ceilings. From time to time, the frames of the doors and windows are also found carved in marble with floral patterns or other elaborate designs in temples. Dilwara Jain temples in Mount Abu, Rajasthan deserve a special mention here. These aesthetic temples are carved matchlessly in marble. It is noteworthy that the art work of these temples lay stress on enshrine of many Jain Tirthankaras. Constructed of a white marble from Arasoori Hill; these temples are regarded as an exceptional example of Jain temple architecture.

These temples include a total of five shrines. Four of them are architecturally momentous. All the shrines are constructed out of white marble. A number of petite shrines can be seen around the huge courtyard of temples. Attractive images of Tirthankaras are displayed in every shrine. A series of pillars carved gracefully accompany them and add sumptuousness to the opening of the courtyard. It is said that this art work was fashioned during 11th and 13th centuries AD. Later, several Hindu temples were made up of marble. Sacred symbols or sophisticated design ornament the interior part of these temples. Stupa of Sanchi constructed by Asoka is superbly popular. It has four gateways that were intricately carved in marble. There are two pillars carved beautifully. They wear the tiara of carved dwarfs, elephants and lions. It is from these lions that the national emblem of India came into being.

Marble Sculptures of Mughal India
From the annals of history, it is seen that the knack of stone sculpting in marble reached the pinnacle during the reign of the Mughals. Especially, the reign of Shah Jahan is renowned for the achievements regarding monumental architecture. Most significant change in architecture was initiated by Shah Jahan as he made use of marble in construction of monuments. Therefore, use of marble is commonly found in the palaces and temples of Rajasthan.

The structure of Red Fort in red stone was replaced by marble buildings like the Diwan-i-Khas, the Diwan-i-Am and the Moti Masjid. Also, the black marble pavilion at the Shalimar Gardens in Srinagar and a white marble palace in Ajmer were built.

Other than the carvings of marble, you will also appreciate the complexity of inlay work in marble done on scores of architectural monuments that Mughals constructed. These monuments included buildings within Red Fort of Agra and the most celebrated Taj Mahal.

The illustrious Taj Mahal is entirely made up of white marble. Its wonderfully white walls are engraved with beautiful and delicate ornamentations of inlay work of stone. This splendid work is also seen on the palaces and tombs of Mughals. Etmatuddaula tomb which is of Nur Jahan’s father was built by Nur Jahan in white marble between 1622 and 1628.


Marble sculptures of India offer an articulate quick look of noticeably eye-catching and versatile style of artistic craftsmanship and designs. The best marbles used for sculpting don’t have stains. But you can see some of natural stains in the sculpture, which are incorporated into the sculpture with great dexterity.

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