The Florentine technique of pietra dura was imported by the Emperor Jahangir and developed in Agra as pachikari. Today in Agra, craftsmen continue this technique. One could observe workers shaping slivers of precious and semi-precious stones on a vertical stone, rotated with a rope attached to a stick. Some of the pieces are so small that the process must be done solely with a sense of touch. These pieces are then fitted into the carved indentations of marble and adhered with natural glue. For the right amount of money, one could walk away with incredible tabletops of varying sizes and shapes, boxes, coasters, sculptures, and decorative items. The revival of this craft employs many people in Agra, partially compensating for the shutdown of industries in the city in hopes to stop the polluting yellowing of its most famous landmark.
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