Marble has been one of the most popular choices of material for crafting statues since ancient times. Marble sculptures are not only sturdy and durable; they are elegant and sophisticated as well.

Marble is naturally occurring limestone. In India, marble has been quarried in various places. Marble deposits are most widespread in Rajasthan and Gujarat. They are also found in Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana and Maharashtra. Marble is sometimes stained. It is commonly held that the best quality marble has no or very few stains. A skilled artisan learns to incorporate naturally present stains in his marble sculptures.

In India, marble craftsmen do not restrict themselves to pure white marble. They make beautiful statues of green marble, red marble, black marble as well as gray marble.

Though it is perhaps true to a certain extent that marble statues in India are not as widely popular as those made of bronze and brass , wood and stones like soapstone, granite and sandstone, it is also true that when and where they are sculpted, they are a delight to behold. The most popular marble sculptures in India are those of Hindu gods and goddesses . These Hindu statues are placed in temples, as well as in religious shrines at home. They are also popular as decorative items. Statues of mythological figures and saints are also crafted in marble. Marble is also used to sculpt Buddhist statues and Christian figures.