Stone Craftsmanship: Conservation & Possibilities

Book & DVD. Over a hundred stone craftsmen have worked for over three years on the Humayun’s Tomb conservation project. They have used the same tools and techniques that would have been used by craftsmen who built the Tomb in the 16th century. Though sandstone craft skills survive in India, the building craft sector has not received the attention that has been paid to the handicraft sector though more people can find employment in the building sector industry. Conservation of Mughal heritage in India can only be carried out if skills survive, yet the conservation effort is not yet of a quantum to keep thousands employed. This documentary-publication aims at allowing architects, sculptors, artists, and engineers the systems, tools, techniques, process and benefits handcrafting stone elements brings. Cost, quality, ageing comparisons with machine-cut stone show how handcrafted stonework can have favourable cost benefit. Published in association with Aga Khan Trust for Culture, New Delhi.