Lecture and exhibition
Bowers Museum
January 23, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
Join the World Affairs Council of Orange County at Bowers Museum for an illuminating program exploring the global significance of India’s textile traditions. This presentation examines how India’s painted and printed cottons evolved through centuries of artistic mastery, technological innovation, and sustained cultural exchange. Drawing on the themes of Bowers Museum’s exhibition, Dr. Nalini Rao of Soka University of America will trace how these textiles traveled across continents, shaped international trade, influenced artistic production from Cairo to London, and forged enduring cultural connections. Through a diplomatic and historical lens, the program highlights India’s role as a creative and commercial nexus, where global encounters inspired new techniques, colors, and designs. Attendees will gain deeper insight into how India’s textile artistry became a transformative force in world history and remains a vibrant, evolving tradition today.
6pm Exhibition Viewing & Performances
7pm Lecture
- Tickets include exhibition viewing.
- Members price is for members of the World Affairs Council of Orange County AND members of
Bowers Museum. Students with student ID can also take advantage of the member price. - Parking is complimentary.
- Please note: there will be refreshments at this program due to the museum's policy. To enjoy a fully themed evening, why not consider a pre- or post- program dinner of Indian cuisine?
