The Monument Dagger in Raw Sandalwood by Om Prakash

Hand-carved from pure raw sandalwood, this extraordinary dagger-shaped carving transforms wood into architecture, memory and miniature craftsmanship. The entire piece carries the natural warm honey-brown tone of unpolished sandalwood, with every layer of depth created solely through intricate relief carving rather than paint or artificial finish.

The elongated body of the dagger is divided into three finely carved architectural panels, each dedicated to one of India’s most iconic monuments - the Hawa Mahal, the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. Every monument is rendered with astonishing precision, from domes and arches to miniature windows, columns and layered facades.

The topmost panel captures the iconic honeycomb facade of Jaipur's Hawa Mahal, meticulously replicating its multiple tiers of tiny, arched windows (jharokhas). The artisan has carved the stepped, pyramidal structure with microscopic precision, allowing light to filter through the tiny open spaces just like the actual Palace of Winds.

The central panel features a breathtaking miniature rendering of the Taj Mahal, focusing on its perfect architectural symmetry. The master carver has brought the grand central dome, the surrounding chhatris and the prominent arched alcoves (iwans) into sharp relief, balancing them against an intricately pierced, lace-like background.

The lowest panel depicts the majestic, fortified facade of the Red Fort (Lal Qila), complete with its imposing ramparts, ornamental arches and signature dome-topped pavilions. The carving emphasizes the solid strength of the historic fortress walls while maintaining the same delicate refinement found throughout the upper sections of the dagger.

Delicate foldable gates carved entirely from the same block of sandalwood frame each section, functioning as movable covers that reveal the monuments within, a remarkable feat of traditional hand craftsmanship. Surrounding the architectural scenes is a continuous ornamental border of scrolling floral and foliate carving, intricately framing each monument and running along the full length of the piece. The detailing remains dense yet balanced, giving the carving a rhythmic visual flow throughout. The handle features an elaborate criss-cross carved surface forming a repeating rhombus pattern, creating both texture and symmetry.

Ringed bands and floral end details complete the grip, carrying the same level of refinement seen across the rest of the work. Despite the delicacy of its carving, the entire composition feels structurally unified - part sculpture, part architectural study and part ceremonial object. Every surface has been thoughtfully worked, turning a single piece of raw sandalwood into a highly detailed tribute to Indian monumentality and artisanal mastery.

Each of our artworks are hand painted by master artists across India. We provide a digital authentication certificate with this artwork signed by the artist which will be sent over email after 3-4 days of delivery of the artwork.

View Sample Here

The sizes mentioned are excluding the borders of the artwork. Frames shown are for visual representation only and are not included with the artwork.

Customisation

Most artworks can be customised in terms of colours, size and elements to fit your requirements.

For custom artwork orders, please use the WhatsApp chat below or email us at wecare@memeraki.com to discuss your requirements in more detail.

Framing Services

No, we currently sell artworks unframed (unless explicitly mentioned otherwise) and do not provide framing services.

We ship worldwide. All artworks are handmade and couriered securely in transit safe packaging sutaible for the artwork.

Domestic Orders

All prices are inclusive of GST and applicable Indian taxes.

• We offer free shipping on orders above ₹1999 for all artworks, except Lippan, Terracotta and Thikri.
• A flat shipping rate of ₹499 applies to orders below ₹1999.

Lippan, Terracotta and Thikri

Shipping is charged on a per-kilogram basis, due to the delicate and bulky nature of these items.

International Orders

• A flat shipping charge of ₹4,000 applies to international artwork orders.
• Customs duties, taxes, or import charges in the buyer’s country are not included and must be borne by the buyer.
• Shipping rates for Lippan, Terracotta and Thikri artworks will be calculated based on weight.

Additonal Shipping Charges

Extra charges may be applicable for both domestic and international deliveries in the following cases:

• If the article requires additional packaging (such as a wooden crate) to ensure safe shipping due to its delicate nature.
• Custom-framed artworks.
• Artworks where shorter side exceeds 36 inches or Decor items with any side over 35 inches.
• If you request express shipping. Contact support to check availability.
• The order contains more than two different product types.

You can proceed with your purchase, and our team will contact you to confirm any applicable additional shipping charges before processing your order. Alternatively, reach out to us on WhatsApp or email, and we'll assist you in completing your purchase with the final pricing.

Returns and Replacements

We offer replacements or repairs if your artwork arrives damaged or has a quality issue. As each artwork is handcrafted, we do not accept returns or refunds for orders received in the expected condition.

Delivery Timeline

This artwork will be Made to Order and will take 1-2 weeks to be made and shipped.

Once your order is placed, our team stays in constant communication with the artist to track the progress and ensure the quality of your order. You will receive regular updates from us throughout this process.

All MeMeraki artworks are hand-painted. In rare occasions, artist may face delays due to weather, health, prior commitments or force majeure. Our team will reach out to you with revised timelines in case of such delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience in such situations.

All artworks on the website are hand painted from scratch by our master artists. This makes every artwork absolutely unique and the actual colour and overall artwork may vary slightly from the artwork image posted here.