Uttar Pradesh continues to be a thriving centre for stone carvings. The artists showcase creative brilliance through architecture, artefacts, and sculptures. Vrindavan, Mathura, Varanasi, Agra, and Hamirpur are the primary hubs. Each hub specialises working with a specific type of stone. Artisans in Vrindavan, for example, craft idols, statuettes, and intricate jaalis from diverse stones.

Stone carving thrived in the 3rd century B.C. during Ashoka’s rule, with red sandstone sculptures found in excavations. Ancient stupas and cave temples are still preserved from that period. Carvers in Mathura, Varanasi, and Chitrakoot excelled for centuries, preserving their unique styles. They had to transition to wood and stone after an Indian ivory ban. Varanasi is famous for its soft stone latticework and nesting figurines, made from stones like gorara, khorai, sajjar, and pallar. They craft relief idols on sandstone from quarries in the Chunar Hills. Hatiwar has around 200 artisans, who sell at outlets in Vishwanath Gali, Dasashvamedh Ghat and Sarnath. They also export their wares to other countries. Artisans in Mathura are experts at creating nesting animals intricately carved with floral patterns. Mahoba in Chitrakoot is known for artefacts made of soft, white gaura stones with coloured embellishments.

The process starts with a stone carver sketching the initial shape on a stone block. Sajjar stone needs to be soaked, chemically treated, and polished with sand or carborundum for a smooth finish. The pattern is then chiselled in with a hammer, and detailed with a pointed chisel. Simultaneously, water is sprinkled to avoid heat from friction. Additional tools like electric lathes, drills, pen drills, zameen safni, bahali, batalim and files are used. The final finish is achieved by sandpapering and polishing with clay, oil, and cloth. Sometimes, the artefacts have mirrors, inlay work, and brass fittings. The array of products include statuettes, boxes, slab relief idols, carved pillars, and replicas of famous landmarks.

In 2022, Glasgow Life invited Indian dignitaries for a repatriation ceremony. As part of this, a stone door jamb that was taken from a Hindu temple in Uttar Pradesh was returned to India.

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