Bhopal: The Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), Bhopal, inaugurated the “Manipur Stone Carvers Workshop – 2025” on Thursday at its Sculpture Park. The 45-day workshop aims to protect and promote the rich, traditional stone carving heritage of Manipur.
Inaugurating the event, Museum Director Prof. Amitabh Pandey stated that the IGRMS is dedicated to preserving India’s diverse traditional arts. He highlighted that the workshop is a significant step towards bringing the Northeast state’s deep-rooted sculpting tradition to national attention. He described the art, often performed on “Phaphal” (memorial stones), as a “living document of culture, history, and human sensibility.”
The workshop, running for 45 days, features traditional stone artisans from Manipur who will work on themes using the special ‘Phaphal’ stone, historically used for making memorial markers and deities in the region. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to interact directly with the artists, gaining insights into the intricate processes of this ancient craft.
A highlight of the workshop will be the creation of a stone relief sculpture of the IGRMS logo, which will be permanently installed at the center of the Sculpture Park’s main pathway, symbolizing the continuity of Indian craftsmanship and the museum’s creative spirit.
