The third G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) meeting in Hampi, Karnataka was marked by a momentous achievement. The event saw the creation of a Guinness World Record for the ‘largest display of Lambani items’. This accomplishment represents the combined effort of over 450 Lambani women artisans and cultural practitioners from the nomadic Lambani community in Karnataka.
Lambani Art: A Unique Textile Tradition
Originating from the Lambani or Banjara community, Lambani art is a vibrant form of textile embellishment. This nomadic community resides mainly in several Indian states including Karnataka. The art is distinctive for its colorful threads, intricate mirror work, and a diverse collection of stitch patterns on loosely woven fabric. In essence, it is a skillful assembly of small pieces of discarded fabric into an appealing patchwork. The practice adheres to the concept of recycle and reuse, making it a sustainable form of traditional artistry.
The embroidery techniques and aesthetics of Lambani art have striking similarities with textile traditions found in Eastern Europe, West Asia, and Central Asia. This connection underlines the shared roots of global textile arts. Sandur Lambani embroidery, a specialized variant of Lambani art hailing from the Sandur region of Karnataka, was awarded a Geographical Indication tag in 2010.
Supporting Women Artisans and Cultural Practitioners
The successful showcase at the G20 CWG meeting illustrates the support extended to Lambani artisans. This, in turn, facilitates their financial independence. The initiative aligns with the third priority of the CWG, namely ‘Promotion of Cultural and Creative Industries and Creative Economy.’
G20 Culture Working Group: A Forum for Cultural Integration
Culture Ministers of the G20 countries convened for the first time in 2020. They underscored the far-reaching contribution of culture to the advancement of the G20 agenda. With an acknowledgement of its impact on development, culture was integrated into the G20 agenda in 2021 as a Culture Working Group.
The CWG forms part of the 13 thematic Working Groups established by the Indian Presidency. These groups are designed to shape the G20 process in 2023 under the Sherpa Track Initiative.
Key Objectives of the CWG
The key focus areas of the CWG encompass protection and restitution of cultural property, leveraging living heritage for a sustainable future, promotion of cultural and creative industries and creative economy, and exploiting digital technologies to protect and promote culture.
Previous Year’s UPSC Civil Services Examination Query
The Civil Services examination in the previous year posed a question regarding the G-20 group. The candidates were asked if they consider the G-20 group as a platform established originally for finance ministers and central bank governors to discuss international economic and financial issues. Additionally, they were asked to identify whether Digital public infrastructure is one of India’s G-20 priorities. The correct answer was that both statements were accurate.