Jali or fretwork, intricately carved on soft stone, showcases supreme mastery in masonry and design. Varanasi's soft stone jali work reflects exceptional skill and craftsmanship. Delicately chiseled and decorated with inlay work, these carvings require time, creativity, and expertise. Seen on forts, zamindari homes, places of worship, and ancient monuments, they testify to the craft's antiquity. Religious statues are also crafted using this technique, often embellished with semi-precious stones and shell work. Today, small decorative and utility items like table tops, boxes, coasters, and trays are produced, maintaining the art form's intricate beauty and skill.
