Repatriation of antiquities
Topic: Studying Indian History: Sources, Dating and Historiography · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Repatriation of antiquities means bringing stolen or smuggled heritage objects back to India from other countries. These objects include idols, sculptures and other artworks taken out of the country illegally. Many were stolen from temples and sold to collectors and museums abroad, mostly in the USA, the UK and Australia. In recent years, many such objects have been returned through diplomatic efforts and police investigations. Repatriation matters because these objects belong to India's living culture and history.
Example
In 2014, Australia returned a Chola bronze Nataraja that had been stolen from a temple in Sripuranthan, Tamil Nadu.
Don't confuse with
- Ban on export of antiquities: under the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, it stops objects from leaving India. Repatriation brings back objects that have already left.
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
- Antiquities and Art Treasures Act 1972