RUPANDEHI, June 2 -- On the banks of Tinau River, there is a settlement of Kushwadiya community who are usually seen carving stones from early mornings to late evenings. These stone carvers have been earning their living by shaping stones for more than two decades.

As Butwal has some famous markets for selling jaanto (circular stone grinders used for making wheat, maize, millet, rice, etc. flour) and silauta and lohoro (a pair of stone grinders used for making pickles and crushing spices), these people permanently moved to Tinau which lies near the market area. However, modernization and technological advancement are pushing this ancient profession towards extinction. The dying profession has compelled these community members to struggle...