Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, presents custom-made GI-verified Shivling set to Prime Minister Modi during his visit to Varanasi
In the sacred city of Varanasi, Kashi, a unique Shivling set was presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. This handcrafted Shivling, an artistic masterpiece, stands 18 inches tall and 15 inches wide and is a testament to the rich craft heritage of Kashi.
Crafted over a week by three Kashi-based artisans and metal artists, the Shivling set is a fusion of three Geographical Indication (GI) certified crafts from Kashi: Banaras Metal Repousse Craft, Meenakari, and Metal Casting. The Shivling set includes intricate elements such as a five-headed serpent, Nandi (the bull), offerings, a pot with Ganga water, a trident, sandalwood ashes, and a Meenakari-adorned platform.
The Shivling set is significant not only for its artistic value but also for its symbolic representation of India’s GI ecosystem. It underscores the importance of this system in preserving and promoting artisanal heritage. Prime Minister Modi, during his visit, called for robust measures to protect and promote GI, emphasizing its legal significance as a symbol of local identity.
Dr. Rajni Kant, a noted expert, views the Shivling set as a testament to the rich craft heritage of Kashi and a showcase of the strength of India’s GI ecosystem. He believes that this artwork serves as a statement promoting indigenous craftsmanship on a global stage, encouraging artisans to embrace 'Swadeshi and Local to Global'.
The presentation of this unique Shivling set during Prime Minister Modi's 51st visit to his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, was a significant step towards showcasing Kashi's traditional art and culture on the world stage, as perceived by artisans' associations. The visit was a celebration of Kashi's cultural heritage and a tribute to the skill of its artisans.
In summary, the unique Shivling set is a confluence of Kashi’s rich, GI-tagged metal crafts and a cultural emblem that underscores the value of India’s Geographical Indication system in preserving and promoting artisanal heritage. It exemplifies the heritage of Banaras Metal Repousse Craft and serves as a tribute to the artisans’ skill and the spiritual legacy of the region.
- The Shivling set, a fusion of three GI-certified crafts from Kashi, demonstrates how fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden can coexist with policy-and-legislation, as it is both a symbol of India's heritage and a testament to the importance of preserving and promoting GI.
- The unique Shivling set, presented to Prime Minister Modi, is not just an artistic masterpiece, but also a political statement, as it encourages the promotion of 'Swadeshi and Local to Global', reflecting the intersection of politics and general-news.
- The presentation of the Shivling set during Prime Minister Modi's visit highlights the potential of Kashi's lifestyle, from fashion-and-beauty to home-and-garden, in gaining global recognition and fostering a sense of national pride, contributing to India's cultural identity.
