Indian Prime Minister during his Ghana visit gifted handcrafted artefacts such as Kashmiri Pashmina shawl to the country’s top leaders. 

Kashmiri Pashmina shawl

• It is woven from the fine undercoat of the Changthangi Goat. 
  • Changthangi goat, also known as the Pashmina goat, is a breed raised in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh, India.
• Celebrated for its softness and warmth, 

Other Handicrafts

• Bidriware vases (Bidar, Karnataka): The vases feature a zinc-copper alloy base with a distinctive black finish and fine silver inlay. 
  • These are engraved with floral motifs, they symbolise beauty, prosperity and harmony.
• Silver filigree purse (Cuttack, Odisha): It is known for its Tarakasi work.
  • The purse combines intricate floral and vine designs with modern style.
• Miniature Ambawari elephant (West Bengal): It is handcrafted from polished synthetic ivory — an ethical alternative to natural ivory.
• Please note: All the listed handicrafts, except the Miniature Ambawari Elephant, have been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

India witnessed the return of Lord Buddha’s sacred Piprahwa Relics. 

About Piprahwa Relics

• Discovery: 1898 by British civil engineer William Claxton Peppé in Piprahwa, Siddharthnagar (ancient Kapilavastu), Uttar Pradesh. 
• Significance: Associated with the mortal remains (Body relics) of Buddha. 
• Key Features: Include bone fragments, soapstone and crystal caskets, a sandstone coffer, and offerings like gold ornaments, etc. 
• Enshrined Around: 3rd century BCE. 
  • A Brahmi script inscription on one of the caskets confirms them as Buddha relics, deposited by the Sakya clan. 
• Current Status: Classified as ‘AA’ antiquities under Indian law, prohibiting their removal or sale.