THE STORY
The word Ustad refers to a master of a particular trade and the suffix ‘ji’ denotes honour and respect. The title Ustaji is used to denote a master of marble sculpture.
The Ustaji of Makrana are craftsmen privileged to work with some of the most beautiful marble in the world; the brilliant white Makrana sourced from some of the oldest mines in India and revered around the world for its exquisite quality and aesthetic. By the same token, the marble of Makrana has the honor of being worked by some of the most skilled and respected stonemasons; the Ustaji who carry within them the skills of their many forefathers. Together, this combination of man and material create an exquisite balance of Art and nature.
A WORLD VIEW
This website aims to offer a window through which the Ustaji and their works can be understood and appreciated by a world which sometimes seems to be losing touch with the ancient skills that our civilization is founded on.
Shining a light on generations of talented, diligent artisans and the incredible tradition of stonework that unites the Silawat community of Makrana is inspirational whether you are a traveler seeking new experiences or an armchair adventurer.
A story of resilience, of the challenge of living for one’s Art and the honor of carrying on precious traditions.
By respectfully immersing ourselves in the world of the Ustaji, we are not only gaining insight into a unique cultural heritage, we are also forging a connecting with something that goes beyond place and time, something inside all of us; the desire to create, the limitlessness of human progress and the striving to create a lasting legacy that will stand beyond our time.