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Hindu God Ganesha has been represented with the
head of an elephant since the early stages of his
appearance in Indian art. Ganapati or Ganesha, the Lord
of Ganas, the elephant faced God, represents the power
of the Supreme Being that removes obstacles and ensures
success in human endeavors.He is worshipped for siddhi,
success in undertakings, and buddhi, intelligence. He is
worshipped before any venture is started. He is also the
God of education, knowledge and wisdom, literature, and
the fine arts.
The stone carving tradition in India is one of the
richest in the world. Stone carving is an ancient
activity where pieces of rough natural stone are shaped
by the controlled removal of stone. Art of Stone Statues
and Collectibles is the poetic expression of stone
craft. Sculptures of Hindu deities, modelled on
classical prototypes, continue to be made in many parts
of India. In Tamil Nadu such sculptures are made in
granite. In Karnataka, exquisite figures carved in
relief in black stone, with details engraved in fine
lines, come out in greyish- white against the black
surface. Softer stones are used in Orissa, which are
easy to carve. The fully carved jali-worked, in
Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, are most intricately done. The
artisans in Gujarat are engaged in the art of cutting
and polishing semi-precious stones. One can see the life
like images being skilfully sculptured in different
varieties of stone across the state. In Jaipur, white
marble is used for carving out statues of gods and
goddesses as well as animal and human figures.
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