Vinod Bhat
New Delhi: The Karnataka collection at the 8th edition of PM Mementos is a testament of diversity of India’s artistic and cultural heritage not only across India but also within the state itself.
The collection brings together distinct expressions of Karnataka’s cultural landscape.
The memento of Goddess Saradamba who is considered an incarnation of Saraswati represent Sringeri’s long-standing association with knowledge and devotion, while the artefacts associated with Sant Sevalal reflect the spiritual and cultural identity of the Banjara community.
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The Kinnal art and Bidriware pieces highlight Karnataka’s rich tradition of craftsmanship, while the photo print of the Kambala Festival captures a living rural tradition. The Mysore Peta and other ceremonial turbans add another layer, reflecting traditions of identity, honour and celebration.
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The collection also captures a Karnataka that is rooted in its heritage yet firmly connected to the present. The signed badminton racket of Paralympic medallist Suhas Yathiraj, alongside contemporary artworks and a replica scale model of the Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, brings present day achievements into the conversation.
Taken together, the 30 mementos offer more than a collection of objects from Karnataka. They offer a glimpse of the many cultural worlds that exist within one state and, in doing so, reflect the larger richness of India’s diversity. The PM Mementos auction becomes a platform where these varied expressions of India can be brought together, preserved and shared beyond the moment for which they were created or presented.
The 8th edition of PM Mementos is currently live and has been extended until 31 October 2026. Proceeds from the auction will support the Namami Gange Project.
Interested bidders can place their bids online through the official PM Mementos e-Auction portal: https://pmmementos.gov.in
