Stone carving in India has always been practiced and perfected since time immemorial. Traditional Indian designs carved into stones create the most beautiful pieces of artwork. One of the richest traditions in the world, stone carving in India dates back to 7th century B.C. The traditional artists handed down their skills as family lore from father to son, a practice prevalent in even today. The exclusive style of stone carving was closely linked with architecture. The glorious and magnificent temples at Puri, Konark, Khajuraho, Mahabalipuram etc. of India stand testimony to the richness of stone carvings.-illustrate the rich tradition of Indian stone carvings.

The process of transforming a rough stone into a shapely object of beauty and lustre calls for a great degree of skill in which Indian craftsmen are adept to the core. In India, the majestic land of Rajasthan is said to be a stone-carver's paradise. It possesses the ready availability of high-quality stones- marble, granite, sandstone, etc. The sculptures found in the ancient and medieval temples of Bharatpur, Baroli, Ramgarh, Nagda, Ajmer, Chittor, Mandore, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Udaipur speak of the brilliant workmanship and ethereal creations of the Rajasthani stonecutters.

Besides temple carvings, the stone carvers are widely recognized for their jali (latticework) carvings and marble inlay work. The ancient palatial buildings illustrate rich jali work on the doors and windows. These jali screens are sculpted from both sandstone and marble. The screens also offered protection from the elements while allowing the passage of fresh air through the finely carved patterns. In the cities of Rajasthan, one can look for some fine examples of meticulous jali work done on the screens and panels of glorious havelis, palaces and buildings.

Stone carving is not only linked with palatial buildings or havelis, it is also used to create beautiful and attractive marble artifacts such as furniture, decoratives, fountains, fireplaces, sculptures, statues etc.