1. Assam CM laid the foundation stone for Vrindavani Vastra museum

Context and Key Details

  • ​Event: Foundation stone laid by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on February 22, 2026.
  • ​Objective: To build a world-class, climate-controlled museum at Khanapara, Guwahati, to house the 16th-century silk textile, Vrindavani Vastra.
  • ​Partnership: A collaboration between the Assam Government (provided 2 acres of land) and the JSW Foundation (funding and construction via CSR).
  • ​The Loan: The British Museum (London) will loan the textile to Assam for 18 months starting in 2027.

Historical and Cultural Significance

​The Vrindavani Vastra is not just a piece of cloth; it is a "visual hagiography" of Assamese spirituality.
  • ​Origin: Woven in the 16th century (approx. 1567–1569) under the direct supervision of the Vaishnavite saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva and his disciple Madhavdeva.
  • ​Commission: It was commissioned by the Koch King Naranarayana and his brother Chilarai.
  • The Art:  Technique: Woven using the complex Lampas technique (requiring two weavers simultaneously). It is a figured silk textile.
  • ​Themes: Depicts scenes from the Bhagavata Purana, specifically the Vrindavan Leela (childhood of Lord Krishna), including the Kaliyadamana and Vastraharana.
  • ​Inscriptions: It contains woven verses (Brajavali language) from Sankardeva's plays.
  • ​The Journey: It moved from Assam to Bhutan, then Tibet, and was eventually acquired by the British Museum in 1904 from Tibet.

Potential Prelims Question

​Q. With reference to the 'Vrindavani Vastra', recently seen in the news, consider the following statements:
  1. ​It is a 16th-century silk textile created under the guidance of Srimanta Sankardeva.
  2. ​It was woven using the complex Lampas technique, depicting scenes from the life of Lord Krishna.
  3. ​The textile is currently part of the permanent collection of the National Museum in New Delhi.
​Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3




Correct Answer: A


2. Rima Das’s film gets special mention at Berlinale



Assamese filmmaker Rima Das has won the Crystal Bear Special Mention for her film Not a Hero at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) in 2026.
  • ​The Category: The film was screened in the Generation Kplus section, which focuses on films made for children and young audiences.
  • ​Significance: This is Rima Das’s third appearance at the Berlinale, following Bulbul Can Sing (2019) and Village Rockstars (2017). It underscores the consistent global appeal of Northeast Indian storytelling.

Potential Prelims Question

​Q1. With reference to the 'Berlin International Film Festival' and Indian Cinema, consider the following statements:
  1. ​The "Crystal Bear" is the highest award presented in the main competition category of the Berlin International Film Festival.
  2. ​Rima Das’s film Not a Hero was awarded the Crystal Bear Special Mention in the Generation Kplus section in 2026.
  3. ​Village Rockstars, directed by Rima Das, was India's official entry for the 91st Academy Awards (Oscars).
​Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
​A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3



Correct Answer: B