 Perhaps, of all
the seven wonders of the world,the Taj Mahal is the most magnificent and beautiful.
Creation of a lovelorn heart - with the Taj, Shah Jahan introduced the Italian craft of
pietradura - the inlay of semi-precious and precious stones on marble, which even today
thrives in Agra.
Yet another major centre of marble carving lies in the city
of Jaipur, in Rajasthan. The Makrana quarries of Rajasthan throng with craftsmen
decorating marble plates, wall plaques, boxes and bowls.
 The vibrant
marble products at display at IHE depict the traditions of Rajasthan, Agra as well as
Orissa. The green marble of Orissa is soft and delicate hence enables greater finery. Gold
or enamel painted marble objects add to the sheer beauty of these smooth and shiny
surfaces.
Varanasi too has contributed its share in the form of green
soft marble plates which are displayed at the IHE.
 Meenakari work
on marble surfaces creates a very interesting range of marble products with delicate gold
work, in various forms - goblets, boxes, figures, flower vases, Buddha head, elephants,
human figures, busts and lamps. Much of these are primarily sourced from Rajasthan.
 The products
displayed at IHE include elaborate tabletops, plates, figures of deities and animals,
boxes, ashtrays, penstands, lamps etc.
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