Gifts to spouses of G20 heads draw on art heritage of India

A Cheriyal scroll painting from Telangana, a handwoven Tussar silk stole, and a handcrafted bell metal figurine of a woman made by artisans from Chattisgarh are among the gifts that first ladies or spouses of heads of state from around the world, who will gather for the upcoming G20 Summit, will receive during their visit to the Indian Agricultural Research (IARI) at Pusa campus on Saturday, officials familiar with the matter said

According to officials, the three gift items, representing the rich traditional art culture of the country, will be presented to the spouses of the G20 leaders in a specially curated goodie bag. The visit to the institute is part of the itinerary planned for spouses of the leaders that also includes a visit to the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) for a curated shopping experience, and Rajghat.

The Cheriyal scroll painting — the art form is centuries-old — depicts myths and legends in narrative scrolls, said a senior official at the institute who asked not to be named. “Rooted in local and artful motifs, these paintings are one of the oldest art forms of the region, embodying its rich storytelling traditions.”

Cheriyal scrolls have geographical indication (GI) status that is given to products that have a specific geographical origin and that possess qualities or a reputation arising from their provenance.