NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently showcased India’s traditional art at the Brics Summit, presenting Jharkhand’s cultural heritage to Russian President Vladimir Putin and handcrafted artworks from Maharashtra to the leaders of Iran and Uzbekistan, according to officials. PM Modi gifted a Mother of Pearl (MOP) seashell vase to Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Putin received a traditional Sohrai painting from Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district, recognised as a One District One Product (ODOP) item. Known for their use of natural pigments and simplistic tools, Sohrai paintings capture intricate designs through brushes made from twigs, rice straw, or even fingers.
These artworks depict animals, birds, and nature, reflecting the agrarian lifestyle and deep reverence for wildlife within the local tribal culture.
Prime Minister also gifted a Mother of Pearl (MOP) sea-shell vase to Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian. This vase, sourced from Maharashtra’s coastal artisans, showcases the region’s skilled craftsmanship and draws on the natural beauty of the state’s shoreline, symbolizing a blend of tradition and artistry.
In another gesture, PM Modi presented a traditional Warli painting to Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
This revered art from, originating from Maharashtra’s Warli tribe, dates back nearly 5,000 years and is celebrated worldwide for its minimalistic and distinct style.
Created with basic geometric shapes, Warli paintings depict tribal life through scenes of nature, festivals, and communal activities. Granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2014, Warli art continues to evolve and is widely recognized as an enduring yet adaptable heritage.