Roots and Routes: Past Present and Continuous

September 5, 2023

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will exhibit a 4,000-year-old chariot and hundreds of other artifacts in an exhibition called “Roots and Routes: Past Present and Continuous” during the G20 Leaders’ Summit. The exhibition is organized by India’s Ministry of Culture. The National Museum is the nodal agency responsible for handling the insurance and transportation of the artworks featured in the exhibition.

The exhibition will feature Indian antiquities, sculptures, pre-modern paintings, and manuscripts from various government museums and galleries. The 500-piece exhibition will take place at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in Delhi, coinciding with the G20 summit.

4,000-year-old chariot from Uttar Pradesh

The 4,000 years old chariot that was found in UP is considered significant because it sheds light on India’s ancient history and civilization, indicating that it had reached a level of development comparable to Mesopotamia in 2000 BC. Its inclusion in the exhibition is aimed at highlighting India’s rich cultural heritage and achievements in the past.

Sourcing of the Artefacts

The artifacts for the exhibition are sourced from various central government museums and galleries, as well as ASI’s site museums. What makes this exhibition unique is that it brings together original works from these repositories, offering a rare opportunity to view a diverse collection of Indian art and antiquities in one place.

Themes Covered

The exhibition will cover themes related to India’s democratic ethos, shared traditions, outreach, sustainability, and the environment. It aligns with India’s G20 Presidency, which focuses on restitution and repatriation of cultural heritage. The exhibition aims to promote cultural exchange and showcase India’s cultural heritage in the context of G20 themes.

Fostering India’s Claim as the “Birthplace of Buddhism”

The exhibition includes artifacts related to Buddhism, such as relics of Amaravati and Chola bronzes. These artifacts highlight India’s historical connection to Buddhism and support the country’s efforts to promote Buddhist tourism through initiatives like the Buddhist Circuit.

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