One District One Product: Palnadu District | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

Introduction to Durgi Stone Carvings

• Durgi stone carvings are exquisite artworks created from soft limestone in Durgi village, Palnadu district, Andhra Pradesh.
• The art form dates back to the 15th century and is renowned for its intricate designs and craftsmanship.

Historical Background of Durgi Stone Carvings

• The art of Durgi stone carvings originated in the Buddhist town of Nagarjuna Konda in the early 15th century.
• Artisans migrated to Nagarjuna Konda and began practicing stone carvings using soft limestone.
• Due to the construction of Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, artisans relocated to Durgi village, where the craft flourished.

Origin and Evolution of Durgi Stone Carvings

• The soft limestone available in the region enabled artisans to sculpt intricate Buddha figures and temple structures.
• Artisans formed the Nagarjuna Stone Carving Industrial Cooperative Society Ltd in 1962, centralizing Durgi stone carvings.
• Generations of artisans have preserved traditional techniques, ensuring the continuity of this unique art form.

Importance of Durgi Stone Carvings in Buddhism

• Durgi stone carvings predominantly depict themes related to Buddhism, reflecting the region's cultural heritage.
• The art form symbolizes the influence of Buddhism in the area and showcases intricate sculptures of Buddha figures.

Impact of Modern Developments on Durgi Stone Carvings

• Modern sculptors have introduced new designs for commercial purposes, expanding the market reach of Durgi stone carvings.
• The availability of soft limestone continues to attract artists, enabling them to create diverse designs with ease.

One District One Product Initiative

• Durgi Stone carvings are intricate sculptures crafted from a soft limestone known as "SuddaRai" in the local dialect, found exclusively in the region. This whitish-gray stone, unique to Durgi, comes in various sizes ranging from half a foot to a maximum of 10 feet in height, following the principles of Shilpa Sastra. The art of Durgi stone carving dates back to the 15th century when artisans preferred the affordability of soft limestone over granite for sculpting idols. Since then, this tradition has been passed down through generations.
• Named after the temple town village of "Durgi" in Palnadu District, Andhra Pradesh, Durgi Stone Carving showcases the artisans' remarkable creativity. Over time, the craft has evolved and perfected, reflecting the artisans' deep connection to their ancestral, cultural, religious, and natural surroundings. Today, Durgi Stone Carving encompasses a wide array of products, including statues of deities, human figures, animals, and natural elements, as well as utilitarian items, decorative pieces, lampshades, flower vases, jewelry boxes, paperweights, and more.

Description of the Goods

• Durgi Stone carvings are a testament to the enduring inspiration drawn from the mind, mythology, and real-life experiences, creating sculptures that withstand the test of time. Primarily mythological in nature, these stone sculptures convey not only physical attributes but also embody higher spiritual values. Reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh, Durgi Stone carvings showcase the artistry of turning hard limestone into intricate shapes and designs.
• This renowned craft has been passed down through generations, maintaining its significance in sculpture and craftsmanship. Many people acquire Durgi stone craft items for both personal and commercial purposes, as they come in various shapes, sizes, styles, and designs. Enhancing the aesthetics of homes, these whitish-gray stone crafts feature well-finished and intricate designs, adding beauty to every corner of the house.

Steps for Creating Durgi Stone Carvings

First Stage: Stone Selection

• The initial step involves carefully selecting a stone by inspecting it for cracks and imperfections, both externally and internally. This assessment is typically conducted by tapping the surface with a hammer to assess the sound vibrations.
• The craftsman listens for a specific sound pattern to determine if the stone is suitable and free from cracks. Stones with cracks produce distinct sound patterns, indicating defects, and are therefore unsuitable for carving.

Second Stage: Stone Marking

• Artisans begin by selecting a stone that aligns with the design specifications and then prepare the surface for marking.
• Using red oxide powder, they outline the drawings of the intended idols, statues, or artifacts that are to be carved.

Third Stage: Model Creation

• To visualize the final product accurately, a clay model is crafted. 
• This model serves as a guide, aiding in achieving a high-quality finish for the items being created.

Fourth Stage: Rough Work

• During this phase, craftsmen utilize a hammer and the main chisel (Uli or Shrevanam) to remove excess material and shape the rough figure according to the design.

Fifth Stage: Finishing and Detailing

• This crucial stage focuses on enhancing the overall aesthetics of the product. Sculptors employ various chisels (Naitrams) to refine intricate details, ensuring a polished finish. 
• Following the completion of the sculpting process, the designated areas of the design are accentuated through polishing using different-sized files (Aakurai), sandpapers (e.g., no. 60, 120, 200, 320), and water paper to achieve a lustrous effect.

Sixth Stage: Designs

• This final stage involves applying small tools and hammer designs to the statue.
• Special designs are created and polished to enhance the statue's appearance.

Details of Nodal Officer, Nodal Department, and Support Desk for ODOP

• District Nodal Officer: Sri B.J. Benny, District Tourism Officer, Palnadu District, Narasaraopet. Mobile: 7995086775
• Nodal Department: Tourism Department
• Support Desk: Sri Sk. Mastanvali, Tourism Executive, Narasaraopet. Mobile: 9553436612

Sales of ODOP Product

ODOP Sensitization Activities

• Lepakshi Handicrafts and A.P. Silparama organize experiential bazaars to promote Durgi Stone Carvings in national and international markets.
• These activities aim to create sustainable livelihoods for Durgi Stone Carving artisans and preserve cultural traditions.
• Financial assistance is provided for training programs to up-skill artisans in Durgi Stone Carvings.
• The mission is to increase artisanal incomes by promoting Durgi Stone Carving products through various events and exhibitions.
• The historical and aesthetic value of Durgi Stone Crafts has gained recognition, with pieces displayed in museums.
• The Andhra Pradesh Handicraft Development Corporation plays a key role in receiving orders and facilitating sales of these products.

Promotion of Durgi stone carving through social media

Recognition by A.P. Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited

List of Durgi Stone Carving Products

• Handcrafted Items: Stone carving products including, but not limited to, statues of gods and goddesses, human forms, animals, and nature-themed pieces. Additionally, utilitarian products, gift items, and decorative pieces are crafted. There is a wide range of crafts available at present.
• Statues: Idols of Buddha, Krishna, and Ganesha are among the most popular and commonly crafted Durgi Stone statues.
• Utilitarian Items: Tulsi pots, Urli (traditional Indian vessel), mobile stands, flower vases, garden sculptures, water fountains, and stick holders are some of the utilitarian products offered.
• Decorative Pieces: Dancing figures, deities commonly found in temple premises, and decorative items for corners are crafted.

The price range of Durgi Stone crafts varies from Rs 500/- to Rs 50,000/- depending on the size and design. Buddha statues of various sizes are prominent in Durgi Stone carvings due to the craft's origin in a Buddhist town. Additionally, statues of Ganesha, Krishna, and other deities are made from this soft limestone. These statues are primarily used for adorning temple walls and corners. Artisans and craftsmen are now creating various utilitarian and decorative pieces with new designs, making this craft increasingly popular and commercially viable.

Uniqueness of Durgi Stone Carving under ODOP

• The Durgi region boasts an abundance of high-quality soft lime stones, a distinctive feature exclusive to this locality.
• Due to the superior quality and soft texture of the limestone found in Durgi, artisans find it conducive for creating intricate carvings with ease, allowing for the production of various sizes and shapes.
• Durgi stone crafts exhibit a whitish-gray hue and a remarkable shimmer upon completion, attributed to the inherent characteristics of the stone.
• In June 2017, Durgi stone carvings received a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag, marking its unique identity in the domain. The Geographical Indication Number for Durgi Stone Carvings is 481, and the Certificate Number is 298 Dt.22.06.2017, falling under Class 19.