Stone carving is a very ancient tradition in Bihar. The craft achieved its zenith during the Mauryan period and its finest examples are the rock-cut caves of Barabar and Nagarjuni Hills in Jahanabad District.

Various stupas and monasteries stand as the great exhibits of the excellent artistic quality of the artisans of Bihar. Amongst the most famous stone carvings of Bihar are the Ashoka pillars at Lauria Nandangarh and Koluha, along with Mundeshwari Temple Complex of Gupta period. This art is practiced at Patharkatti in Gaya district. It is one of the major centres of stone craft in Bihar. The basic raw material used in this craft is marble and Granite. This is a unique product handcrafted by artisans. This craft provides livelihood support to about 500-700 artisans family on regular basis in Gaya district of Bihar. Other centres of the stone craft in Bihar are in Nalanda, Kaimur and Patna.