Pachhikari is an ancient craft of semi-precious and precious stone inlay in marble, often in geometric
of arabesque patterns.
Pachhikari also known as Parchin kari is inspired by the beautiful Pietra Dura work done in the Taj
Mahal and the tomb of Itimad-ud- Daulah. Peitra dura originated in ancient rome and has been
spread all over the world over the course of time. It was introduced in India in the 17th century by
the great Mughal Emperor “Shah Jahan” who envisioned the decoration of the Taj Mahal using this
unique decorative art. The Pachhikari craftsmen of Agra who are predominantly Muslims are said to
be descendants of those same master craftsmen who built the “Taj Mahal”
Materials used
White black, brown green marble
Precious stones-agate, turquoise, cornelian, jasper, bloodstone, mother-of-pearl, malachite
and lapis lazuli
Poster colours
Adhesive
Zinc coating
White cement
Marble is the basic raw material which is used for the Inlay work are brought from Rajasthan. There
are different types of marble available but white marble (Makrana) is the most preferred for Inlay
work because of its softness, which in turn makes it easier to carve and it’s resistance to shattering.
• Compass: Instrument used to inscribe circles or arc on the surface of the marble.
• Pencil: An art medium used for drawing and sketching.
• Saw: To cut marble as per the required length and width.
• Abrasive: Stone used to grind the surface of marble.
• Tankiya and Narzi: Chiselling tools used to engrave and inlay on the surface of marbles. • File: To
fine cut the amount of material from work piece.
• Drilling Machine: Used to make holes with the help of drill bits.
• Buffer Machine: It used for polishing the surface of the marble after inlay.
• Poster Colours: These colours are applied on the surface to highlight the patterns drawn.
• Saan and Kamaani: Hand driven tool used to shape the gem stones in delicate floral motifs with
the emery wheel.
• Hand Held Chisels: These are used to engrave, groove the marbles.
• Specially Prepared Glue: To inlay the gem stones in the precise grooves of pattern.
• Cotton: Small fluffy staple fibre to spread the poster colours on the surface of marble. The inlay is
so fine that the inlaid patterns seem to have grown out of the marble; hence it is hardly possible to
detect the incisions.
Questionnaire
What is the History of the craft, how was it brought to India?
Did your ancestors practice this craft? Is it a family business? How long have you been doing this?
How is the craft related to the history of Agra and how it came to be?
What is significance of marble? What was its significance in the past?
How is the craft relevant now? Is it still popular? Where is it used? How is the sale?
Criteria for choosing this craft-self
What are the Sequential process and its details?
How is the marble chosen, what is preferred?
How are designs made?
Are there specific patterns/rules that are followed while making these designs?
How is the base prepared?
How is the marble carved?
How are stones selected and cut?
How are they laid? Are they glued in or fitted like a puzzle piece?
How is the finishing done?
What are the preventive measures?
Marble is chosen-white, black, brown, and green
Polished red for colour
Design is sketched
Stones are selected for different designs
Marble is engraved
Stones are stuck with glue
Polished for finish
What are the difficulties faced during the process?
How is the sale? Which group is targeted for the sale?
How is it relevant today? What can be done to promote the craft?
What are the reasons for it’s diminish
What is its scope for the future?
Lessons learnt-self
