In News:

The Government of Assam has initiated formal discussions with the British Museum to facilitate the return of the VrindavaniVastra, a priceless 16th–17th century Assamese textile that holds immense cultural, historical, and religious significance. The move is part of broader efforts to reclaim India’s cultural artefacts preserved abroad.

What is VrindavaniVastra?

• A 400-year-old traditional textile originating from Assam.
• The word Vrindavani refers to Vrindavan, the sacred land of Lord Krishna’s childhood; Vastra means cloth.
• The textile depicts:
  • Scenes from Lord Krishna’s childhood.
  • His lilas (divine exploits).
  • Various events of Vaishnav devotional narratives.

Origin & Patronage

• Created during the rule of Koch King Nara Narayan (16th century).
• Produced under the guidance of SrimantaSankardeva, the founder of Assamese Neo-Vaishnavism.
• Sankardeva took refuge under Nara Narayan after he faced hostility from sections of Ahom-era Brahmin priests.

Weaving Technique

• Made of woven silk using the complex lampas technique.
• Lampas weaving requires:Two weavers working simultaneously, making it a technically demanding process.
• Uses a rich palette of colours:Red, yellow, green, black, white, and others.
• Combines artistic traditions from:
  • Assam
  • Bengal
  • Tibetan and broader Himalayan influences

Historical Journey

• The textile originally consisted of 15 separate silk panels, later stitched into a continuous piece.
• The specimen held in the British Museum is:
  • Nine and a half metres long
  • Assembled from several draped silk sections
• It travelled from Assam to Tibet through ancient cultural exchanges.
• Acquired by the British Museum in 1904, where it remains one of the most significant exhibits from South Asia.

Cultural Significance

• A masterpiece of Assamese Vaishnavite art and a visual representation of Sankardeva’s devotional philosophy.
• Reflects a synthesis of:
  • Textile craftsmanship
  • Storytelling
  • Religious aesthetics
• Represents the rich heritage of Sattriya tradition, associated with monasteries (sattras) founded by Sankardeva.