Ulaanbaatar
“Indian Culture and Handicrafts” Exhibition Opens at the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts
Art & Culture
Ulaanbaatar, February 21, 2025 /MONTSAME/. In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the Republic of India, an Exhibition titled “Indian Culture and Handicrafts” opened at the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts on February 21, 2025.
Mongolia and the Republic of India established diplomatic relations on December 24, 1955, and the Republic of India was the first non-socialist country to recognize Mongolia’s independence. and provided key support for Mongolia’s accession to the United Nations in 1961. To mark the anniversary, the “State Deputy Cultural Ambassador Foundation” NGO, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of India in Mongolia and the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts, organized a special exhibition titled “Indian Culture and Handicrafts.”
At the Opening Ceremony, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Mongolia Atul Malhari Gotsurve remarked, “The friendly relations between our two countries continue to expand across multiple sectors. I firmly believe that diplomatic relations are not solely maintained by governments but are strengthened through people-to-people exchanges. This Exhibition will contribute to fostering cultural and interpersonal connections. Art and culture transcend language barriers, and we have endeavored to present a glimpse of India’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship to our Mongolian friends and brothers.”
The Exhibition features approximately 200 exhibits and photographs that reflect the unique craftsmanship, history, art, culture, religion, and national pride of India, registered and preserved in the foreign art collection of the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum, as well as 14 works preserved in the Embassy of the Republic of India in Mongolia.
Dr. P. Baigalmaa, Director of the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum, noted, “Some of the exhibited collections were acquired during the ‘Indian Handicraft Exhibition’ and the ‘Compassion Path’ photography exhibition, which were held in 1969 and 2003, respectively. The exhibits include a diverse range of traditional handicrafts and jewelry made of ivory, metal, and wood carvings, as well as unique and intriguing photography works.”
The Exhibition showcases candelabrum, knives, forks, jewelry, and animal sculptures crafted from ivory, wood, and metal. Additionally, visitors can view bronze statues of Hindu deities such as Vishnu (the Protector) and Shiva (the Judge). Furthermore, historical sites of India, including "Ashoka Pillar at Lumbini," "Nalanda," and "Barabar Caves," are presented with accompanying explanations. Specifically, the "Ashoka Pillar at Lumbini" dates back to the 3rd century BCE and commemorates Emperor Ashoka’s visit to Lumbini.
The Exhibition is open to the public free of charge and will be available until March 1, 2025.
