The JSW Group, one of India’s leading corporate supporters of arts, culture, and heritage, has joined forces with the Government of Assam to establish a state-of-the-art museum in Guwahati. The inaugural exhibit of this world-class facility will showcase the Vrindavani Vastra, a 17th-century devotional textile created under the guidance of Srimanta Sankardev. The textile is currently housed at the British Museum in London, and the museum has agreed to lend it for public exhibition in Assam between 2026–2027 for a period of 18 months.
The Government of Assam has allocated land at the Sericulture Farm, Khanapara, Guwahati, for the new museum, which will be fully funded by the JSW Group. The museum will be equipped with climate control systems, conservation protocols, and international standards to ensure the safe display of the Vrindavani Vastra. After its exhibition, the museum will continue to serve as a premier heritage exhibition space, hosting international cultural showcases and globally significant exhibitions.
Sangita Jindal, Chairperson of the JSW Foundation, remarked, “The Vrindavani Vastra is an invaluable part of Assam’s cultural heritage. I vividly recall the powerful experience of viewing this textile at the British Museum’s Reading facility in the UK. It is a profound piece that carries immense devotion and artistry. I am deeply committed to helping bring the Vastra back to Assam, where the people can experience it as part of their spiritual and artistic history. We are honored to work with the Assam Government to create a museum that preserves this sacred artefact according to global standards, while establishing a lasting cultural institution for Guwahati.”
The Vrindavani Vastra is a 17th-century silk textile woven under Srimanta Sankardev’s spiritual guidance, depicting the early life of Lord Krishna in Vrindavan. This sacred textile holds immense cultural and devotional significance for Assam. Measuring approximately 9.5 meters in length and 2 meters in width, the Vastra is one of the largest surviving devotional silk textiles from its era.
Abin Chaudhuri, the architect responsible for designing the proposed museum, stated, “Designing a space for the Vrindavani Vastra is both an honor and a great responsibility. Our vision is to create a museum that marries reverence for the textile with modern design, where the architecture itself reflects the devotional essence of the piece while providing the highest standard of conservation facilities. Beyond housing the Vastra, this museum will offer Guwahati a world-class venue for international exhibitions, further connecting Assam with the global arts community.”
The announcement of the collaboration was recently made by Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, who welcomed the JSW Group’s commitment as a major step toward fulfilling a long-awaited cultural goal for the people of Assam. JSW Group is one of India’s leading conglomerates with diversified interests across core sectors such as steel, energy, cement, infrastructure, and paints.
Founded by Sajjan Jindal, JSW has grown into a powerhouse known for its commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and sustainability. The flagship company, JSW Steel, is one of India’s largest steel producers, renowned for its technologically advanced production capabilities and environmental initiatives. JSW Energy focuses on renewable energy sources, with ambitious targets to expand its clean energy portfolio. JSW Cement has quickly risen as a key player in the cement industry, focusing on eco-friendly production methods.
With investments in sports, the Group also owns franchises in cricket, football, and kabaddi, supporting the growth of sports culture in India. Through continuous expansion, modernization, and a commitment to corporate responsibility, JSW Group is shaping India’s industrial landscape and contributing significantly to its infrastructure and economic development.
