British Museum’s T. Richard Blurton engages Gauhati University on Vrindabani Bastra and Assam’s cultural legacy

 

 

Guwahati, February 25, 2026: Internationally acclaimed archaeologist T. Richard Blurton, former Head of the South and South East Asia Section at the British Museum, engaged with scholars and students at Gauhati University on Tuesday in the presence of Ballepu Kalyan Chakravarthy, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam, reinforcing global academic dialogue on Assam’s civilisational heritage.

Blurton’s address placed Assam’s artistic and devotional traditions within a wider international framework, with particular focus on the historic and cultural significance of Vrindabani Bastra. Describing it as “more than a work of art,” he noted that it represents a cultural imagination shaped by faith, community and storytelling, and merits sustained scholarly attention and preservation.

The session fostered substantive discussion on material culture, sacred traditions and artistic expression, drawing faculty members, researchers and students into a wider conversation on situating Assam’s heritage within global academic discourse.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta reflected on the enduring legacy of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankaradeva, describing Vrindabani Bastra as a profound symbol of devotion and craftsmanship rooted in Assam’s spiritual consciousness. He emphasised that Gauhati University remains committed to advancing rigorous scholarship while preserving the region’s cultural foundations.

The Vice Chancellor also noted the philosophical depth of institutions such as the Naamghar, symbolising both aakar and nirakar, and highlighted how traditions like Ankiya Bhaona weave together devotion and artistic expression within the Bhakti movement.

The programme was also attended by Prof. Rajib Handique, Academic Registrar, and Prof. Kandarpa Kumar Sarma, Controller of Examinations, among other dignitaries.

By hosting global scholars such as T. Richard Blurton, Gauhati University continues to strengthen its position as a leading centre for heritage research and cultural scholarship in the Northeast.