Antiquities and Art Treasures Act 1972
Topic: Studying Indian History: Sources, Dating and Historiography · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 is an Indian law that protects movable heritage, such as sculptures, coins, paintings and manuscripts. Under this law, an "antiquity" usually means an object that is at least 100 years old. Only the government or its agencies may export antiquities. Trading in them needs a licence, and certain notified antiquities must be registered. The law aims to stop India's heritage from being smuggled abroad.
Example
A private dealer who tries to send a centuries-old Chola bronze idol out of India breaks this Act. If such an object is taken out illegally, India can later ask for it to be returned.
Don't confuse with
- Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958: it protects immovable heritage, such as monuments and sites. The 1972 Act deals with movable objects.
Related concepts
- Alexander Cunningham
- Archaeological Survey of India
- Illustrated London News
- Discovery of the Harappan civilisation
- Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958
- National Monuments Authority
- National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities
- Repatriation of antiquities