Durgi

Durgi is a village in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh in India. This village is known for stone craft which is popularly known as Durgi stone craft. It originated here in the 15th century. It is situated 10 Kms from Macherla.

At that time sculptors preferred soft limestone to the more expensive granite to carve idols. Today commercial demand for the stone carvings has resulted in the sculptors creating more simple, utilitarian designs than in times past. Craftsmen sell items such as paperweights and lampshades to individuals and dealers.

The School of sculpture and stone carving is located here. The ancient skill which produced masterpieces of art and sculpture seen at Nagarjunakonda museum continues to be practiced and taught here. The artisans were moved down to this place when the Nagarjuna Sagar Irrigation Project Reservoir inundated their traditional dwellings. These artisans generation after generation continue to follow the traditional methods and styles thereby playing a crucial role in keeping this art form alive for posterity.