In News:

The VrindavaniVastra, a 16th-century sacred silk textile of Assam, is set to return temporarily from the British Museum, London, for exhibition in 2027. The decision marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to reclaim its cultural heritage and present it to the public in its place of origin.

Historical Background

• The VrindavaniVastra was woven in Assam under the guidance of SrimantaSankardeva, the great Vaishnav saint-reformer, at the request of Koch King Nara Narayan.
• It depicts scenes from Lord Krishna’s childhood and divine pastimes in Vrindavan, woven intricately with silk threads.
• Historically, Nara Narayan had sheltered Sankardeva after he faced persecution by the Ahom kingdom under pressure from Brahmin priests, reflecting the socio-political tensions of the time.

Artistic and Cultural Significance

• The textile is regarded as a masterpiece of Assamese Vaishnav art, blending weaving traditions with spiritual themes.
• Originally consisting of 15 separate silk panels, the current exhibit measures around 9.5 metres in length, assembled from multiple fragments.
• It represents not only religious devotion but also the syncretic weaving traditions of Assam, incorporating motifs influenced by diverse artistic cultures.
• As a central artefact of Assamese Vaishnavism, it reinforces Sankardeva’s legacy of devotional bhakti traditions.

Journey to the West

• Fragments of the Vastra were believed to have travelled from Assam to Tibet in the 17th–18th centuries, before being collected by British explorers during the 19th–20th centuries.
• In 1904, the India Museum acquired the textile and later transferred it to the British Museum. Since then, it has been part of their South Asian collection, alongside similar pieces in other European museums.