More than 900 gifts and mementos, including replicas of the Sun Temple in Gujarat's Modhera, the Vijay Stambh of Chittorgarh, and a painting of Varanasi ghat, that was given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have been put up for e-auction and exhibition at the National Gallery of Modern Arts in New Delhi.
The gifts and mementos that have been put up for auction range from INR100 ($1.20) to INR6.48 million ($77,000).
The painting of Varanasi Ghat is the most highly valued of all the items at INR 6.48 million ($77,000).
The auction has also featured a range of other captivating traditional art and indigenous handicrafts such as exquisite angavastram (a type of stole worn by men), elegant shawls, ancient headgear, and ceremonial swords.
It has also displayed remarkable artifacts and dazzling replicas of architectural marvels, including the magnificent Modhera Sun Temple and the iconic Vijay Stambh of Chittorgarh.
Other indigenous arts and crafts pieces include Chamba Rumal, Pattachitra, Dhokra Art, Gond Art, and Madhubani Art reflect the enduring and profound cultural essence, encapsulating both tangible and intangible facets of our diverse communities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted some pictures from the exhibition and said these are a “testament to the rich culture, tradition, and artistic heritage of India".
“Like always, these items will be auctioned, and the proceeds will support the Namami Gange initiative. Here is your chance to own them," he added.
The Namami Gange Programme is a INR 200 billion ($2.40 billion) integrated conservation project to preserve and rejuvenate India's sacred River Ganga.
According to Meenakashi Lekhi, the Union Minister of State for Culture, more than 7,000 gifts and mementos have already been put up for sale in several other e-auctions. This time, the auction has 912 items up for auction.