The United States has returned 297 stolen antiquities to India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s visit. These invaluable artefacts, many of which were smuggled out of India, are now back in their rightful place.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to President Joe Biden and the US government, emphasizing that these antiquities are not merely historical relics but represent the core of India’s civilisation and its rich cultural consciousness.
Cultural Ties Strengthened
Sharing the news on X, PM Modi highlighted how the return of these artefacts deepens the cultural connection between India and the US, and strengthens the global fight against the illicit trafficking of cultural properties. Photos of the returned antiquities were shared, showing PM Modi and President Biden alongside some of these priceless items.
Since 2016, the United States has played a pivotal role in returning numerous Indian antiquities. This effort began with the return of 10 antiquities during PM Modi’s visit in 2016, followed by 157 in 2021, and 105 in 2023. With the latest return of 297 items, a total of 578 cultural artefacts have been repatriated to India by the US since 2016, making it the country with the highest number of returns.
History and Significance of the Antiquities
Spanning 4,000 years, these antiquities range from 2000 BCE to 1900 CE, and originate from various regions across India. The collection includes terracotta artefacts from Eastern India, alongside pieces made from stone, metal, wood, and ivory. Notable items include a sandstone Apsara sculpture from the 10th century, a bronze Lord Ganesh from South India, and a terracotta vase from the 3rd century.
These returns were further bolstered by a Cultural Property Agreement signed in July 2024 between India and the US, aimed at combating the illicit trafficking of antiquities.
Key Antiquities Returned
- Apsara in sandstone (10-11th century CE, Central India)
- Jain Tirthankar in bronze (15-16th century CE, Central India)
- Terracotta vase (3-4th century CE, Eastern India)
- Lord Ganesh in bronze (17-18th century CE, South India)
- Lord Vishnu in bronze (17-18th century CE, Eastern India)
- Anthropomorphic figure in copper (2000-1800 BCE, North India)
- Standing Lord Buddha in sandstone (15-16th century CE, North India)
These returns mark another milestone in the preservation and protection of India’s cultural heritage, ensuring that these priceless artefacts can once again be appreciated and preserved in their homeland.
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