Gaya:A mushroom-shaped rock sculpture carved by two labourers in Bihar’s Gaya district has become a point of interest for visitors travelling through the region.
The structure is located near Arai village on the Jethian–Rajgir route, around 60-65 kilometres from the Gaya district headquarters. Locals refer to the site as “Mushroom Pahaad” because of the rock’s distinctive shape.
Sculpture created using basic tools
The sculpture was created by Kachhara village residents Shauki Rajvanshi and Vinod Manjhi, who previously worked as stone-cutters in the hilly area under local contractors.
According to local residents, the two men spent years shaping a large rock formation using traditional tools such as hammer, chisel and iron rods. The work was carried out without the use of modern machinery.
The rock, which was originally assigned to them for stone-breaking work, was considered difficult to cut because of its size and strength.
Village sees rise in local recognition
Residents say the sculpture has brought visibility to Kachhara village, which earlier remained largely unknown outside the area.
Travellers passing through the route often stop to view the structure, and locals believe the site has gradually emerged as a small tourist attraction.
Echoes of Gaya’s stone-carving legacy
The story has also drawn comparisons with the legacy of Dashrath Manjhi, popularly known as the “Mountain Man”, who carved a path through a hill in Gaya district using hand tools over two decades.
While the mushroom-shaped sculpture was created under different circumstances, local residents see it as another example of perseverance and manual craftsmanship from the region.
