Vrindavani Vastra to return from British Museum for 2027 exhibition

GUWAHATI

Assam is expected to temporarily receive its revered 16th-century silk textile from London’s British Museum for exhibition in 2027.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told journalists on Saturday (August 30, 2025) that the British Museum has, for the first time, agreed to lend the Vrindavani Vastra for 18 months if certain conditions are fulfilled.

Woven under the guidance of neo-Vaishnavite saint-reformer Srimanta Sankaradeva, the silken vastra reached the British Museum via Tibet in the 20th century. It depicts scenes from the life of Lord Krishna.

“Parts of the Vrindavani Vastra are in the British Museum and some other museums in Europe. We tried to bring it back in the past so that the people of Assam could see it. Finally, the British Museum has written to us that if we can construct a museum according to the required environmental standards, they will give us the textile on loan for 18 months in 2027,” the Chief Minister said.

He said the Assam government has allotted land in Guwahati to the JSW Group, which is committed to building the museum under its corporate social responsibility initiative and handing it over to the government.

“I believe we will be able to bring the Vrindavani Vastra home so that the people of Assam can see it,” the Chief Minister said, admitting that fulfilling the conditions set by the British Museum would take a long time.

“The President of India will have to write to the British Museum that the textile will be returned undamaged within the time frame. It is called a sovereign guarantee. The issue involves several processes, and we cannot go ahead without cooperation from the Government of India,” he said.

He further said the State government is working closely with the British Museum, the JSW Group, and the Indian Ambassador to the United Kingdom.

“We may have to fund the construction of the museum partially, to be designed by the British Museum, if the cost exceeds the JSW Group’s budget. The chances of bringing the vastra back have increased by 90%,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the British Museum has plans to exhibit the textile in Mumbai.