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Strict mines rules leave sculptors in tight position

Getting stones required for carving a costly affair: Akademi chief
Last Updated 02 March 2016, 18:11 IST

 The stringent Mines and Minerals Act has put a curb on unabated stone quarrying in the State, but has caused hardships to sculptors.

Spiralling price of stones required for sculpting work continues to dominate the list of grievances, even after the establishment of an exclusive Karnataka Shilpakala Akademi, several years ago. Reason: Quarry owners, who wish to make a quick buck with available resources.

Anticipating a positive response from the government, the akademi has submitted a renewed memorandum to its parent body, the Kannada and Culture department, to ease the problems faced by the sculptors, who are forced to shell out huge sums to procure stones from different places in the State.

Akademi Chairman Mahadevappa Shambulingappa Shilpi told Deccan Herald, “A lorry load of stones (maximum 10 tonnes) cost Rs 1.30 lakh for a sculptor. Still, the amount is affordable only for some sculptors, who are always in demand (for their products). It is not the same in the case of small-time sculptors”.

Even if one succeeds in buying stones, the lorries are stopped at checkposts and it is a tedious process again to convince the sentinels till the load reaches his or her workshop. The stones meant for sculptors should be left untouched from quarry to workshop, he said.

Shambulingappa, who hails from Kalaburagi district, said, “H D Kote kallu (krishna shile called as black stones in English) quarried in Mysuru district is in much demand. The stone is of soft type making it easy for a sculptor to chisel out according to his or her requirement. Though Badami, a famous historical site has abundant stones, it is only red and hard type. Similar are the stones available at Bevur, Shellikere and Kagalagomba in Bagalkot district.

H D Kote stone is used in sculptures at famous historical and tourist spots like Somanathapur in Mysuru district, Belur and Halebeed in Hassan district to name a few. For hard stones, Hampi in Ballari district is the best example.

‘Black stone sacred’

Shambulingappa said, black stones are considered sacred, as it is believed that it contains ‘Agni Amsha’ (fire content) and worshipping it in the form of different Gods and Goddesses brings good luck.

L Shivalingappa, member (convener) of the akademi, said, gimcrack stones are another problem faced by sculptors.

“Such type of stones called ‘Kare Kallu’, though akin to good quality stones, later develop a crack during sculpting. There are instances, when crevices appear while giving finishing touches,” he said.

Other demands of the akademi are: increase in number of annual awardees from the existing six to 10 and revision in monthly pension from Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000. Of the 1,000 odd sculptors in the State, only 105 are availing pension, added Shambulingappa.

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(Published 02 March 2016, 18:11 IST)

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