Bastar's Ancient Stone Art Faces Extinction as New Generation Loses Interest

• Bastar's traditional stone sculpture art, admired globally, is on the verge of extinction.
• Sculptures of deities like Pardeshin Mata, Jhitki-Mitiki, Durga, and Saraswati are crafted from hard stone.
• Artisan Jayman Nag from Deur village has practiced this art since 1997-98, taking months to learn.
• The art requires meticulous work and concentration, with each sculpture taking about two weeks to complete.
• Lack of interest from the new generation and insufficient government promotion threaten its future.