India's Cultural Diplomacy at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit
The 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit held in New Delhi was marked by a significant display of India's rich cultural heritage through the iconic Ramanathaswamy Temple from Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
Key Highlights
- Backdrop and Cultural Significance:
- The 12th-century Ramanathaswamy Temple served as a visual and cultural backdrop.
- This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas.
- Features the longest outer corridor among Indian temples with over 1,200 intricately carved stone pillars.
- Diplomatic Engagements:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting India's civilisational history to the Global South.
- PM Modi hosted Xi Jinping in Tamil Nadu during his last visit in 2019.
- Artistic Displays:
- Murals depicting ‘yogasanas’ were featured along the red carpet for dignitaries.
- Artists created ‘Sangam’ – a mural featuring the Summit logo, the Hawa Mahal, and elephants.
Historical Context
- Temple's Construction History:
- Monk care until the 10th century; sanctum sanctorum built by King Parakiramabaghu in the 12th century.
- Ramanathapuram King Udayan Sethupathi and a Vaisya from Nagoore contributed to the western tower and compound walls.
- The East Rajagopuram, a 126-foot-high nine-tiered structure, was completed between 1897 and 1904 by the Nattukkottai family.
- Mythological Importance:
- According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ram consecrated the shivalingam after returning from Lanka.
Previous Cultural Display
- During India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, a replica of the Konark Wheel from Odisha’s Sun Temple was used to display India's heritage.
- The G20 theme was *Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam*, meaning ‘the whole earth is one family’, originating from the ancient Sanskrit text *Hitopadesha*.
