Assam Govt Signs MoU with British Museum to Showcase 16th-Century ‘Vrindavani Vastra’ in the State

Dispur: The Assam government has signed a loaning agreement with the British Museum in London to bring a part of the Vrindavani Vastra to the state for display in 2027. 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in London in the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

A Cultural Treasure with Deep Roots

The Vrindavani Vastra dates back to the sixteenth century. It was created under the guidance of Srimanta Sankardeva at the request of the Koch king Nara Narayan. The piece depicts scenes from the life of Lord Krishna. It also carries a section of a poem written by Sankardeva. 

The British Museum acquired the textile in 1904 from Tibet. The piece is nine and a half meters long and was made by stitching together several silk panels. It originally had fifteen parts that were later assembled into a single work.

First Display in Assam

Over the past century, fragments of the textile spread across museums in London, Paris, Boston, and Los Angeles. For many generations in Assam, viewing it in person was not possible. The upcoming exhibition in 2027 will change that. Sarma said it will give people a chance to reconnect with a vital part of their heritage.

Support From Multiple Fronts

Sarma said he was grateful for the support received during the process. He shared that the JSW group played a key role in bringing the Assam government into contact with the British Museum. The group is also setting up a new museum in Guwahati where the textile will be displayed. 

A Significant Step for Assam

Sarma described the British Museum as a major repository of human history. He said the pact is an important moment for the state and for the cultural legacy of Sankardeva. The textile’s return, even for a limited time, is expected to draw wide interest and renewed appreciation for Assam’s artistic past.

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