New Delhi, Nov. 17 -- The British Museum has agreed to loan one of Assam's most sacred Vaishnavite religious artefacts, a 16th-century silk fabric piece called Brindabani Bastra to the state for the first time and an agreement is being signed between the two countries, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has left on an official visit to London, has said. The development, being seen as a significant cultural moment for the state, comes on the back of persistent efforts by the Assam government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been especially keen on it, the chief minister said in Delhi before leaving for the UK capital. India has offered a sovereign guarantee regarding the safekeeping of the artefact and its return to the UK after an agreed date, potentially 18 months. A state-of-the-art museum is being built in Guwahati for housing it, which will be ready in 2027, Sarma said. While the land was provided by the state government, the museum is being funded under corporate social responsibility of the Sajjan Jindal-led JSW group of companies.htc...