Unique Gift: A Representation of Buddhist Spirituality and Indian Craftsmanship
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, presented a unique gift to the King and Queen of Thailand, a stunning brass statue of Sarnath Buddha in ‘dhyan mudra’ along with a brocade silk shawl from Varanasi during the royal audience at the Dusit Palace in Bangkok. The gift showcased a remarkable blend of Buddhist spirituality and Indian craftsmanship, demonstrating the rich cultural heritage of both countries.
- Representing the Sarnath style, the brass statue reflects the Gupta and Pala art traditions, with its serene expression, intricately detailed robe, and iconic lotus pedestal.
- The ‘dhyan mudra’ posture symbolizes deep meditation and inner peace, radiating wisdom and compassion, while the Prabhavali (backdrop) represents divine radiance, transforming the statue into a spiritual mandala.
The statue is a masterpiece of Indian craftsmanship, featuring a serene expression, intricately detailed robe, and iconic lotus pedestal. The ‘dhyan mudra’ posture symbolizes deep meditation and inner peace, radiating wisdom and compassion. The Prabhavali (backdrop) represents divine radiance, transforming the statue into a spiritual mandala. This beautiful piece of art showcases the epitome of Buddhist spirituality and Indian craftsmanship, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of both countries.
The Brocade Silk Shawl: A Masterpiece of Indian Weaving Tradition
The brocade silk shawl from Varanasi, gifted by Prime Minister Modi to Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, is a masterpiece of India’s rich weaving tradition. The shawl is crafted from the finest silk, featuring intricate motifs depicting village life, divine celebrations, and nature, inspired by Indian miniature and Pichwai art.
| Characteristics of the Brocade Silk Shawl | Description |
|---|---|
| Vivid Color Palette | Reds, blues, greens, and yellows symbolize joy and auspiciousness. |
| Ornamental Border | A broad ornamental border in deep pink, magenta, and gold adds a regal touch. |
| Soft and Luxurious Drape | Skilled artisans dedicate weeks of meticulous craftsmanship to create each unique piece. |
The brocade silk shawl boasts a vivid color palette, symbolizing joy and auspiciousness, while a broad ornamental border in deep pink, magenta, and gold adds a regal touch. The soft, warm, and luxurious drape is a result of weeks of meticulous craftsmanship by skilled artisans.
Traditional Indian Metal Craft: Dokra Brass Peacock Boat
Prime Minister Modi also gifted a Dokra brass peacock boat with tribal rider to Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The piece is a stunning example of traditional Indian metal craft, originating from the tribal communities of Chhattisgarh.
The Dokra brass peacock boat is handcrafted using the ancient lost-wax casting technique. Each piece is unique and features intricate patterns and colourful lacquer inlays. A tribal rider, calmly rowing, represents the harmony between humans and nature, a central theme in Dokra art. It features intricate patterns and colourful lacquer inlays, while a tribal rider, calmly rowing, represents the harmony between humans and nature, a central theme in Dokra art.
A Brass Urli and Diya: Masterpieces of Traditional Brass Craftsmanship
Prime Minister Modi gifted a brass Urli with peacock and diya from Andhra Pradesh to the former Thailand PM Thaksin Shinawatra. The Urli is a masterpiece of traditional brass craftsmanship, symbolising purity, positivity, and abundance.
- Traditionally used for rituals and festive decorations, the Urli is often filled with water, flowers, or floating candles.
- Skilled artisans craft the Urli with intricate carvings and flawless finishing.
The brass Urli is a masterpiece of traditional brass craftsmanship, symbolising purity, positivity, and abundance. It is traditionally used for rituals and festive decorations, often filled with water, flowers, or floating candles. Skilled artisans craft the Urli with intricate carvings and flawless finishing, making it a timeless addition to both traditional and modern interiors.
Conclusion
The gifts presented by Prime Minister Modi to the King and Queen of Thailand showcased the rich cultural heritage of both countries, highlighting the beautiful blend of Buddhist spirituality and Indian craftsmanship. The gifts, including the brass statue of Sarnath Buddha, brocade silk shawl, Dokra brass peacock boat, and brass Urli, demonstrate the exceptional craftsmanship and artistry of Indian metalwork, weaving, and textiles. As a symbol of friendship and mutual respect, these gifts will serve as a reminder of the strong bond between India and Thailand.
