Vrindavani Vastra to Assam to be Exhibited

In 2027, the historic 16th-century Vrindavani Vastra, an Assamese silk textile, will be shown in India first time. The Assam people have a major cultural milestone as the British Museum has accepted to loan the artifact on a 18 months term.

Historical Importance

Produced under the patronage of saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva, the Vrindavani Vastra depicts events in the life of Lord Krishna and carries quotations of Sankardeva in his devotional play, Kaliyadamana. The textile was woven in the complex lampas process, and at least two weavers had to be there concurrently, which is in keeping with the rich cultural heritage of Assam in the 16th century.

Travel to the British Museum.

In the 17th-18th centuries, the fragments of the textile were transported to Tibet. They were later collected by British explorers and the fragments became part of the British Museum collection. Today approximately 20 fragments exist including a sewn piece of 12 strips of silk, more than 9 metres long.

Conditions of loan and Exhibition Plans.

Assam would have to build a museum that meets the high environmental and security standards to house the textile. The JSW Group has set aside land in Guwahati to this effect as part of its corporate social responsibility. Also, the President of India would have to offer a sovereign guarantee of the safe delivery of the textile.

Artistic Features

The 12 silk strips contain woven images of the life of Krishna, the life of Vishnu in his avataras, inscriptions and religious odes. Chinese damask and brocade with motifs of dragons that have been added subsequently appear in the upper part. It is suspended by metal rings. The lampas weaving of the textile is a demonstration of high art, with two sets of warps and wefts woven by two weavers.

The exhibition will provide India with a chance to commemorate and conserve an invaluable item of Assamese heritage as well as showcase the art of 16th-century silk weaving.