The tradition of stone carvings in India began in the 3rd century and is considered one of the richest in the world.
Keeping this tradition alive, master sculptors Rabi Narayan Sahoo and Surya Narayan Sahoo of the Sahoo family from Orissa bring together some of the finest stone carvings for an exhibition in Mumbai. Their father Sudarshan Sahoo is their guru and has been awarded the Padmashree for sculpting.
Pravina Mecklai, who is presenting the exhibition at the Jamaat art gallery, informs that the sculptures are unique because they have been carved as per the style of sculpting defined in the Indian Shastras. “The brothers follow the principle of the Shilpa Shastra (ancient Sanskrit text) for icon making. It is considered to be the ancient science of sculpture making. The comprehensive nature of these texts can be seen in the marvelous construction work of the ancient temples, forts and buildings that exist today across the country,” says Pravina.
The carvings are in Tenali stone, granite, marble, red stone, green stone and white stone. Most of them are in the form of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The cost for each of these sculptors would range between Rs25,000 to Rs4,00,000.
As an attempt to revive and restore this ancient tradition, the family has also founded the Sudarshan Arts Villare in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa, where they train about 50 young sculptors to become masters.
Stone Carvings opens at Jamaat art gallery, Colaba, on Wednesday, March 17, and continues for a month.
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