Assam Likely To Showcase 16th-Century Vrindavani Vastra After British Museum Nod

Assam may soon get to exhibit the revered 16th-century “Vrindavani Vastra” after the British Museum in London agreed to loan it to the state in 2027, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Saturday (30 August), The New Indian Express reported.

Speaking at a press conference in Guwahati, Sarma said this would be the first time the British Museum is loaning the Vrindavani Vastra, for a period of 18 months, subject to conditions being met.

The Vrindavani Vastra, woven in Assam under the guidance of saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva, depicts scenes from the life of Lord Krishna.

Pieces of it were believed to have been taken to Tibet in the 17th-18th centuries and later collected by British explorers, before being transferred from the India Museum to the British Museum.

Sarma said earlier attempts to bring it to Assam had failed, but now the museum has expressed its willingness to loan it.

“Finally, the British Museum has written to us that if we can construct a museum as per the required environmental standards, they will give us the textile on loan for 18 months in 2027,” he said.

Sarma said the process would take time as the British Museum requires a sovereign guarantee from the President of India assuring the textile’s safe return.

“Without cooperation from the Government of India, we cannot go ahead,” he added.

He said the state government is working closely with the British Museum, the JSW Group, and the Indian ambassador to Britain.

The museum’s design will be provided by the British Museum, and any excess costs will be shared by the state.

Sarma said chances of bringing back the textile have increased by “90 per cent” and noted the British Museum also plans to display it in Mumbai.

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