Stone Carving (Sompura)

Gujarat boasts of a rich architectural heritage and some of its monuments are prized for its splendid design. For years, stone like basalt, sandstone, limestone, granite and marble has been the primary construction material in Gujarat. In fact, it’s early uses date back to more than 4,000 years ago. Gujarat’s Sompura community is renowned for being the architects of the Somnath Temple, one of Gujarat’s most celebrated pilgrimage sites. The Sompura community has extended their craft to magnificent monuments across the state, including several Jain temples. Today, their primary use is that of temple architecture, not mainstream construction.