Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday laid the foundation stone for a world-class cultural museum in Guwahati that will house the historic Vrindavani Vastra, a move aimed at preserving and showcasing the state’s rich Vaishnavite heritage.
The proposed museum complex will come up at Khanapara and is being designed to meet international conservation and security standards required for displaying the rare 16th-century textile. The project is being undertaken with support from the JSW Foundation.
According to officials, the Vrindavani Vastra—a silk masterpiece created under the guidance of Vaishnavite saint-scholar Srimanta Sankardeva—is expected to be loaned by the British Museum to Assam for public display for 18 months beginning in 2027.
Speaking at the event, Sarma described the initiative as a significant step toward reconnecting Assam with its cultural legacy. He said the state government is committed to bringing back its historic treasures, even if on temporary loan, and thanked the JSW Foundation for facilitating the arrangement and undertaking construction of the museum.
The Vrindavani Vastra, which depicts episodes from the life of Lord Krishna, is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Assamese devotional weaving. Portions of the textile left Assam more than a century ago and are currently preserved in museums abroad.
Officials said the upcoming museum is expected to boost cultural tourism in the state while creating wider awareness about Assam’s Vaishnavite traditions and artistic heritage.
- Log in to post comments
