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The Royal Renaissance: How Tilak Stone Arts is Reviving Rajasthan's Temple Heritage

Soumya Jain

When you think of Rajasthan, it’s impossible to ignore the majesty of its temples. Back in the day, these were not just places of worship; they were central to the soul of palaces and forts. Imagine you were walking through one of these royal palaces; you would probably stumble into large sections devoted to these sacred spaces, with the temples not only serving as places for prayer but also forms of artistic expression. The marble sculptures, the colorful murals, and the rich ornamentation-they were not merely decorations but an expression of utter piety and royal magnificence. Maharajas spent years building these structures. The splendor of these luxury temples was all part of Rajasthan that seemed rich in both spirituality and indulgence. 

Temple creations by Tilak Stone Arts, India
Temple creations by Tilak Stone Arts, India

Today, while many homes still have small temples in a corner, there’s no longer a presence of that grandeur that made temples feel larger than life. But thanks to Tilak Stone Arts India, that royal spirit is making a comeback. Based out of Jaipur and Kishangarh, this family-owned venture is restoring the grandeur and luxury to temples, one handcrafted marble piece at a time making custom marble-temples. 


Among the things that make the work of Tilak Stone Arts India stand out is its use of overlay with inlay, featuring intricate detailing and fine finishing—a technique reminiscent of Meenakari, an ancient craft of decorative enamel work that was once a highlight of royal temple designs in Rajasthan. As time went by, this process which was once vibrant and stunning, faded away from people's sights, which is why Tilak Stone Arts is trying to revive the process within temples. Combining Meenakari’s vibrant colors and patterns along with fine marble work, Tilak Stone Arts excels at integrating a plethora of different art forms. This blend allows them to create customized majestic temple designs that carry hints of ancient royalty.

Tilak Stone Arts Jaipur
The team behind Tilak Stone Arts India: From L-R, Mr. Shashwat Gangwal (CEO), Mr. Rajeev Gangwal (Founder and Chairperson), Mr. Vidhan Gangwal (COO)

“We aim to reinvent how spiritual spaces are perceived and experienced, much like how Apple reimagined technology,” Ananya Chaudhary , International Director at Tilak Stone Arts, quotes. Rajasthan’s temple-building heritage has always been an expression of power, grandeur, and devotion. Nonetheless, in contemporary times, there is no organized body which is supposed to take care of these sacred spaces which has led to a lack of care. With this realization, Tilak Stone Arts India has not only resurrected traditional temple craftsmen but has also pioneered a platform that single handedly designs and executes custom made pooja rooms. Their professional team takes the responsibility of consulting on design, selecting materials, manufacturing, delivering, and even installing it to ensure that sacred spaces are incorporated into modern homes with elegance and without sacrificing heritage.

Artists behind the creations
Artists behind the creations

Tilak Stone Arts India began by Mr. Rajeev Gangwal's vision to expand his generational marble business by observing a very realistic problem that the temple making craft is an unorganized sector. By developing a deep admiration for the craftsmanship and intricate beauty of marble artistry, he aims to make the sector organized. Given their 25 years of work in the marble industry, their expertise goes beyond just carving stone. It is about cherishing a craft and an art that is slowly disappearing. “The industry is highly unorganized and requires significant capital investment, especially in raw materials. Most artisans work on a daily basis, making job security a challenge. Their livelihood depends on getting consistent work and a good pay scale that encourages them to pass on their art to future generations.” said Rajeev Gangwal, Founder and Chairman Tilak Stone Arts India. To counter this, Tilak Stone Arts has focused on providing stable employment and treating artisans as part of their extended family, ensuring they receive the respect and financial stability they deserve through the temple manufacturing process. 

Wall Murals by Tilak Stone Arts
Wall Murals by Tilak Stone Arts

As his sons take his legacy forward, they are introducing handcrafted temple designs that blend heritage craftsmanship with modern technology. “Where spirituality meets technology, our temples maintain traditional elements while incorporating modern features. We offer a complete end-to-end service from ideation to installation-ensuring that every temple is designed to perfection.” quoted Shashwat Gangwal, CEO, Tilak Stone Arts India. 


The offerings are not only limited to home temple designs but also intricate marble decor pieces including wall murals made from semi precious stones depicting scenes from Krishna Leela. In Baroda, they crafted a neo-modern pooja room that re-invents how spiritual spaces are perceived. “Our pooja room, dedicated to Lord Shiva, designed by Tilak Stone Arts has wall murals made completely out of italian stones like blue onyx, rose quartzite, drift grey and statuario white marble. The detail-oriented ingenuity has exceeded our expectations and is bringing the vision we have to life. The careful work done has made the creation far more beautiful than anticipated.” said the Patel family. 

Tilak Stone Arts Jaipur store
Tilak Stone Arts Jaipur Store

In addition to inspirational works, they have also started to use modern luxury designs like a black stone sculpture of a Hermes Birkin Bag. It shows that Tilak Stone Arts India’s is capable of going beyond the confines of religious art to high-end decorative art.


If, like us, you’ve ever felt a sense of nostalgia for those grand temples that once defined the landscape of Rajasthan, Tilak Stone Arts India offers a way to bring that feeling back. Their handcrafted temples and marble decor pieces are made to embody the very opulence and majesty that defined the temples of the past. Their studios in Jaipur and Kishangarh offer visiting clients the option of getting these temples designed, sculpted, or engraved with any designs that add a touch of regal ornamentation to the client's preference. “It’s not just decor; it’s about reviving a piece of history and preserving the sacred artistry of our ancestors,” Manya Jain eloquently put it. 


Tilak Stone Arts doesn’t only create ornate temples, they are helping preserve the vanishing art forms of Rajasthan, which in turn aids to sustain the lives of artisans who keep the spirit of Rajasthan's rich history alive.


You can visit their store here: https://g.co/kgs/fbSNcVD

Address: First & Second Floor, TSA India, Mall 21, Mirza Ismail Rd, opp. Rajmandir Cinema, 5 Batti, C Scheme, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001

Contact Number: 93193 74633Email: sales@tilakstonearts.com


(Written by Soumya Jain, Edited by Aarushi Khurana)


FAQs:

1. What is Tilak Stone Arts? A family-owned venture crafting handcrafted marble temples and luxury decor.

2. What makes their work unique? They revive Rajasthan’s royal temple craftsmanship using Meenakari and intricate marble work.

3. Do they offer custom temple designs? Yes, they design and build personalized temples from concept to installation.

4. What materials do they use? High-quality marble, semi-precious stones, blue onyx, and Meenakari enamel work.

5. Are their temples handcrafted? Yes, each temple is made by skilled artisans with generational expertise.

6. Do they create decor pieces beyond temples? Yes, they craft murals, sculptures, and luxury marble decor items.

7. How do they support artisans? They provide stable employment, fair wages, and preserve traditional craftsmanship.

9. Do they ship internationally? Yes, they cater to global clients and offer worldwide shipping.





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