Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reached London on Sunday to push forward negotiations for the return of the historic Brindabani Bastra, a treasured 16th-century textile created under the guidance of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva. Widely regarded as one of the finest expressions of the Neo-Vaishnavite artistic tradition, the Bastra depicts scenes from Lord Krishna’s early life through intricate weaving and embroidery.
The relic, originally commissioned during the reign of the Koch kings, was crafted by Assamese weavers using silk, cotton and metal threads, reflecting a sophisticated level of medieval craftsmanship. Over time, portions of the Bastra left Assam, eventually arriving in European collections during the colonial era. Today, significant fragments are preserved in major museums in London and Paris.
Officials accompanying the Chief Minister said preliminary discussions with British authorities had already taken place, establishing a framework for transporting the artefact to Assam. The state government has set aside land in Guwahati for a purpose-built museum equipped with advanced preservation systems to house the Bastra upon its return.
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A key development expected during Sarma’s visit is the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Assam government and the London museum currently holding the textile. The proposed agreement, likely to be finalised later today, is set to outline the terms of transfer, conservation standards and exhibition arrangements.
Senior officials described the initiative as a potential “cultural milestone”, noting that the Bastra’s return would revitalise global understanding of Sankardeva’s influence and the legacy of the Neo-Vaishnavite movement. Assam is also exploring future collaborations to trace and potentially reunite other fragments of the Bastra that remain dispersed across Europe.
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