How Descendants Of Taj Mahal Artisans Are Keeping Marble Inlay Work Alive | Still Standing

Summary

This video explores the traditional art of parchin kari, or marble inlay, used to decorate the Taj Mahal. Artists in Agra, India, continue this intricate craft, using tools and techniques passed down through generations. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and a decline in tourism have caused a sharp reduction in marble inlay artisans. Many younger generations are opting for different careers, putting this centuries-old tradition at risk. Despite the physical toll and economic challenges, dedicated artisans like Arif Ahmed and his team strive to keep the craft alive, creating stunning pieces that echo the Taj Mahal's beauty.

Takeaways

• 🎨 The artist is using Araldite and zinc powder to mix a special glue, which is an update to the traditional parchin kari (marble inlay) method used to decorate the Taj Mahal.
• 👁️ Artisans working on marble inlay often suffer from damaged eyesight and worn-out fingerprints due to the delicate and precise nature of their work.
• 💔 Marble inlay art is at risk of disappearing as fewer artisans continue the tradition, with a decline in the number of artisans by up to 70% in the last two decades.
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Arif Ahmed is a direct descendant of the artisans who decorated the Taj Mahal, and he learned the craft from his father at the age of 10.
• 🛠️ Today, the artisans still use traditional tools and high-quality Makrana marble, the same type used to build the Taj Mahal, known for its durability and pure white color.
• 🪙 The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the marble inlay business, as tourism to the Taj Mahal dwindled, leading to fewer sales of inlay pieces.
• 👷 Younger generations are increasingly opting for different career paths due to the less lucrative nature of the marble inlay trade.
• 💎 Precious stones used in marble inlay are sourced globally, while the marble comes from India, and the number of stones affects the cost of the piece.
• ⚒️ Updated technology, like diamond-edged blades, has sped up the inlay process, but some artisans still choose to use traditional hand tools.
• 💡 The marble inlay craft is becoming more simplified, with new artisans opting for larger, less detailed pieces, threatening the future of highly intricate work.

Q & A

What is the traditional art of parchin kari?

Parchin kari, also known as marble inlay, is a traditional art form that involves embedding small, precisely cut pieces of precious or semiprecious stones into marble surfaces to create intricate designs. This art was famously used to decorate the Taj Mahal.

How have artisans modernized the parchin kari process?

Artisans have modernized the parchin kari process by using materials like Araldite and zinc powder to create glue, along with updated tools like motorized blades for cutting stones. However, some still choose to use traditional hand tools.

Why is the art of parchin kari in danger of disappearing?

The art is in danger due to declining tourism, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, and the fact that the job is no longer as lucrative as it once was. As a result, many younger generations are choosing different career paths, leading to fewer artisans practicing the craft.

What challenges do marble inlay artisans face in their work?

Artisans face several challenges, including strain on their eyesight, permanent erosion of their fingerprints, and exposure to physical risks such as cutting stones close to sharp blades and breathing in marble dust. The cold weather also affects them when working with water.

How did the artisans source their materials during the Mughal era, and how has that changed today?

During the Mughal era, materials were sourced locally or from nearby regions, such as marble from Makrana and stones from Persia. Today, artisans still use Makrana marble but source stones from countries around the world, including Japan, Germany, and Iran.

How do artisans create the intricate patterns used in marble inlay work?

Artisans draw complex patterns freehand on painted marble, often inspired by the Taj Mahal. After deciding the pattern, they trace it onto translucent paper and then onto the stones. Each stone is carefully cut and fitted into the marble using adhesives.

What role does Arif Ahmed play in the preservation of the parchin kari tradition?

Arif Ahmed is a direct descendant of artisans who worked on the Taj Mahal. He continues to practice and pass down the art of parchin kari, using many of the same tools and techniques as his ancestors. However, he faces the challenge of keeping the tradition alive amid economic and generational shifts.

What is the significance of Makrana marble in the art of parchin kari?

Makrana marble, known for its high calcium content and pure white color, is significant in parchin kari due to its durability and water resistance. This type of marble was used in the construction of the Taj Mahal and is still favored by artisans today.

What potential solutions have been suggested to preserve the marble inlay tradition?

One potential solution suggested by Arif is for the government to open its own showrooms and purchase directly from artisans to help boost their business. This could provide more stable support for the artisans and help preserve the craft.

Why do some artisans, like Mohammad, choose not to pass the craft down to their children?

Some artisans choose not to pass down the craft because it is no longer financially rewarding. The younger generation often seeks out more lucrative careers, and the demanding nature of the work, which includes physical strain and low profit margins, discourages them from continuing the tradition.