How do you break a stone that weighs at least 3000 kgs? Ramchandra Wadar has a simple answer. “We’ve completed a diploma in this,” he says laughingly.
— Sanket Jain (@snktjain) April 16, 2020
For 60 yr old Ramchandra, it’s not a one-time job. He does this strenuous work for 270 days a year without using any machines. pic.twitter.com/wuyb61k66m
In the past four and a half decades, he has spent at least 73,000 hours doing this. His only camaraderie is the 10-kilogram rock hammer and a pinch point crowbar. pic.twitter.com/JfmdSCVViU
— Sanket Jain (@snktjain) April 16, 2020
Wadars are traditional stoneworkers, stone dressers, sculptors, and stone transporters. Gadi Wadars are the ones who specialize in breaking massive stones. pic.twitter.com/WZ5b46zSHa
— Sanket Jain (@snktjain) April 16, 2020
A resident of Gargoti village in Kolhapur, he says, “In the 1990s, there were at least 50 stone workers here, today, it has come down to the last 10.” He uses his sons' example to explain this. “None of my 4 sons break stones. Who’s going to work so hard? & why should they?” pic.twitter.com/aVzG8ld6sF
— Sanket Jain (@snktjain) April 16, 2020
The work comes at a pernicious cost. Fractures, scorpion sting, snake bite, muscle spasms, bleeding cuts, and wounds are common occurrences. pic.twitter.com/h6U0xKsp7e
— Sanket Jain (@snktjain) April 16, 2020
In my photo essay for @popula I've documented the lives of stoneworkers. https://t.co/Ig9Fz77oDP
— Sanket Jain (@snktjain) April 16, 2020
Thank you, @mariabustillos for publishing the photo essay.
