1. The Phanigiri artefacts

Current Context: The Phanigiri artefacts, belonging to 200 BCE-400 CE and discovered in 1942, are on display at New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About

• The Phanigiri Buddhist site is considered one of the most important finds in Buddhist iconography in this millennium.
• Phanigiri (meaning hillock of snake hood) in Suryapet district is a small village from Hyderabad.
• The thoranas discovered at Phanigiri are very important as they are among the first found south of Sanchi. 
• The same thorana has a panel that shows both Mahayana and Hinayana school of thought, it depictsthat despite philosophical differences, both the sects co-existed in Phanigiri,”
• There is evidence from Phanigiri that shows the deification of Buddha, and we can date this change. From a historical and spiritual identity there is a transition to canonisation and ritual.
• The monograph of the event has the image of the Buddha, wearing what looks like a Roman toga with folds, carved in limestone. 
• It used to be at the entrance of the Buddhist gallery at the State Museum in Hyderabad.

2. Tribal Art and Artifacts at G20 Summit

Current Context: The G20 Summit witnessed a remarkable showcase of India's rich tribal heritage and craftsmanship, curated and presented by TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India), Ministry of Tribal Affairs. 

About 

• Longpi Pottery: Named after the village of Longpi in Manipur, the Tangkhul Naga tribes practice this exceptional pottery style. Unlike most pottery, Longpi does not resort to the potter’s wheel. All shaping is done with the hand and with the help of moulds.
• Chhattisgarh Wind Flutes: Curated by the Gond Tribe of Bastar in Chhattisgarh, the 'Sulur' bamboo wind flute stands out as a unique musical creation. Unlike traditional flutes, it produces melodies through a simple one-handed twirl.
• Gond Paintings: The Gond tribe's artistic brilliance shines through their intricate paintings, reflecting their deep connection to nature and tradition. These artworks, deeply influenced by their social milieu, artfully transform everyday objects. 
• Gujarat Hangings: Curated by the Bhil & Patelia Tribe in Dahod, Gujarat, Gujarati Wall Hangings, much loved for their wall-enhancing charm, stem from an ancient Gujarat art form. Now, they boast mirror work, zari, stones, and beads, evolving to suit contemporary fashion while preserving tradition.
• Sheep Wool Stoles: Dual-colored designs now dominate, mirroring evolving market preferences. Bodh, Bhutia and Gujjar Bakarwal tribes from Himachal Pradesh/Jammu & Kashmir exhibit their ingenuity with pure sheep wool, fashioning a diverse range of apparel, from jackets to shawls and stoles. 
• Araku Valley Coffee: Hailing from the picturesque Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh, this coffee is renowned for its unique flavors and sustainable cultivation practices. In Araku Valley, the Arabica Coffee is produced organically. 

Rajasthan Artistry Unveiled: Mosaic Lamps, Ambabari Metalwork, and Meenakari Crafts: 

• Glass Mosaic Pottery captures the mosaic art style, meticulously crafted into lamp shades and candle holders. 
• Meenakari is an art of decorating metal surfaces with vibrant mineral substances, a technique introduced by the Mughals. 
• Metal Ambabari Craft curated by the Meena Tribe, also embraces enameling, a meticulous process that elevates metal decoration. Today, it extends beyond gold to metals like silver and copper.