Ashoka sent a series of missions, for peace and harmony to the kingdoms of Ceylon, Burma, Sumatra, Syria, Egypt, and Macedonia. The foreign missions preached Buddhism and also took up welfare work among the people. The significance of these missions in propagating international peace and harmony is evident from Buddha’s Pancha Sheela which stipulates five virtues of life. Immediately after independence, India realized that the pre-requisite for democracy is lasting peace and harmony, not only internal but also with the neighbouring countries.

The sailing ship shown here is a giant wood inlay work using timbers of varying colours and shades.