The Marble Sculptors of Jaipur – Must Read Story with their History and Facts

In 1727 Amber was surrounded by enemy states. On one side it was Maratha attacks and on the other side, it was Mughals. Under these circumstances, it was hard for Amber ruler to develop. However, the King managed to provide a safe haven for marble moorti artists in Jaipur. Read along, as we dedicate this article to the thousands of marble sculptors of Jaipur.

Being a visionary Sawai Jai Singh II dreamt of a city so beautiful that it would be amongst most beautiful cities of India. Then capital of Dhundar, Amber was flourishing with trade and commerce and it became necessary for Maharaja to lay the foundation of Jaipur in 1727. Interestingly, many monuments, palaces, and forts were furnished with marble statues at that time. 

History: Marble Sculptors of Jaipur

Even after the city was established with a vision to serve as a major center of Arts, Trade and business it was hard for businessmen & Artisans to relocate to a city that was under constant threat of war.

Sawai Jai Singh II gave land in Jaipur to Artisans from different parts of India in a way to help them relocate to Jaipur. He was a lover of arts he timely praised and promoted fine artisans. And his successors practiced the same.

Sculptors from various parts of India were settled in Jaipur, specially in Khazane walo ka rasta in Jaipur.

Today, many sculptors trace back their roots to Gola ka Bas, Alwar, Benaras & even Bengal. It was due to the encouragement of Sawai Jai Singh II & his successors that Jaipur is world-famous for its Marble Statues & Sculptures industry.

Explore: Pushkar Camel Fair

• Location – Khazane walo ka Rasta (Map link) in the walled city is where Jaipur Moorti Market is located.

Where to buy good quality Marble Murti?

Jaipur made Marble Statues are in constant demand around the globe. It’s not only the statues but Artisans also are invited to various parts of the world for fine artwork. This fine artwork could be seen in various temples in the form of statues and carving work.

Interested in buying marble statues/sculptures straight from Jaipur’s local artists? Share your requirement in the form below and we’ll get in touch.

Marble Statues Jaipur Industry

Marble & other Stone Statue and crafts industry provide direct and indirect employment to over lakh artisans in Jaipur and nearby areas. Supporting industries like mining, logistics & trading provide bread butter to thousands more.

Explore: Places to Visit in Jaipur

With growing revenues every year this industry has its own challenges. Sometimes the carving work is so fine that a wrong hammer would destroy months of work and lakhs of the piece. This is unrecoverable!

Also read: Vivo service center in Jaipur

Almost 15 to 20 percent of the total work is damage which in monetary terms is a huge loss. But that is the price of a Fine Art Work. Apart from this Sculptors face many health issues too. Many complain of kidney stones, lung problems, slip disc, etc.

Issue – Most of the artisans work without masks and other protective gear. Marble dust particles accumulate into the body and slowly affect breathing ability and sometimes cause kidney stones too. Lack of awareness for safety gear is clearly a concern.

Explore: Kite Festival Jaipur

Moorti Art Jaipur

Most of the times ‘God Figures’ are in demand. But it does not mean that ‘Artistic Figures’ do not have a value in traditional market. Temples and Religious Trusts demand for ‘God Figures’ like Vaishnav Statues of Hindu Gods.

With festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi demand grows for Ganesha Murti and during Diwali people from all over India demand for Lakshmi & Ganesha Murti together. And not to mention Durga Puja, which is a big festival in North East India region & West Bengal region keeps Sculptors in Jaipur busy for months.

However, some Artistic Figures like Modern Ganesha are in demand all the time. Some Artisans have experimented with Ganesh Murti using their imagination and creativity.

One may find Ganesha with Rajasthani Turban or Ganesha sitting on a decorative Chowki.

Also read:

• Albert Hall Jaipur Museum Facts
• Everything about Bhangarh Fort

These could be used for Home, Office purposes and some prefer to keep them on their work desk. Apart from Vaishnav Statues, other religious figures are also made here. Bhagwan Mahaveer Statues of Buddha Statues are made in all sizes in white or black marble or greenstone.

These are sent all over the world as the demand. Jaipur has also proudly built Martyr’s Statues & Leader’s Statues. Although, Religious Artefacts comprise 80 percent (approximate value as per Industry Experts) of trade it does not rule out the importance of Artistic Statues.

Many Artists from Jaipur have been recognized & awarded by various Government Agencies. They have successfully represented India in various Foreign Trade Fairs.

Jaipur Moorti Manufacturing Process

Any Statue or Artefact takes at least 14 days to finish totally depending upon the size of the Statue and Quality of Work. The raw material that is stone, in this case, is sourced from mines Andhi, Makrana, Ambaji, etc.

Some fine quality marble is imported from Australia, Vietnam, and even Brazil. It adds up value and beauty of course.

Jaipur Statue Manufacturing Process

1. Firstly Artisans using their imagination and experience take measurement of the stone and then according to desirable statue draws measurements on stone blocks.
2. Then, secondly using traditional hammer and nails large edges are removed and the first raw look emerges of what is going to be a classic piece.
3. Then again experienced Sculptors draw measurements to check if the edges are removed correctly and to work on details like expressions, the shape of the body, limbs, etc.
4. As days past work gets tougher and finer.

Work needs to be neat and skillful for extracting expressions & eyes which some claim is the most difficult part in making a statue. Sometimes, even after 15 days of hard work if the result is not as desired the whole piece becomes useless.

Also read: 5 Star Hotels in Jaipur

Once the final raw shape is extracted, the statue is polished to give it shine and color.  Artists polish the statue with hands and it may take up to 3 days or more. Once the polishing part is done painters come in for final touch.

Painting work requires hours of precise work and within 3 days of drying Statue is ready for shipment.

Some would be the pride of elites, some would be showcased in corporate houses or hotels and some may be worshipped as Gods (of course after proper ‘pran pratishtha’).

Interested in buying marble statues/sculptures straight from Jaipur’s local artists? Share your requirement in the form below and we’ll get in touch.

 

Also read:

• Rajrajeshwari Temple Jaipur
• Sahu ki Chae in Jaipur

It’s amazing how some see beautiful artifacts in stone blocks while for most of us it’s just a rock.

Did you like this special coverage on JaipurLove? Follow us on Facebook and share your thoughts in the comment section below.