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.
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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.
