US Returns 297 Smuggled Antiquities to India; PM Modi Expresses Gratitude to Biden

During prime minister Narendra Modi's current visit, the US has returned 297 antiquities that were illegally taken from india, according to an official announcement made on Sunday.

Officials noted that the illicit trafficking of cultural property has historically impacted many nations, with india particularly affected. Modi expressed his deep appreciation to President Biden and the US government for facilitating the return of these significant artefacts, emphasizing their importance to India's cultural heritage.

With this handover, the total number of antiquities recovered by india since 2014 has reached 640, including 578 returned from the US—marking the highest number of cultural items restored by any country to India.

Among the notable antiquities returned are a sandstone 'apsara' from the 10th-11th century, a bronze Jain Tirthankar from the 15th-16th century, a terracotta vase from the 3rd-4th century, and a stone sculpture from the 1st century BCE to 1st century CE. Other significant items include a bronze statue of Lord Ganesh from the 17th-18th century and a standing Lord buddha in sandstone from the 15th-16th century.

Modi's previous visits to the US have also yielded positive results in recovering antiquities. In 2021, 157 items were returned, including a notable bronze Nataraja statue from the 12th century. Additionally, following his 2023 visit, 105 artefacts were handed back to India. Beyond the US, india has successfully reclaimed artefacts from other countries, such as 16 from the UK and 40 from Australia. In contrast, only one artefact was returned to india between 2004 and 2013.

Furthermore, in July 2024, india and the US signed a landmark 'Cultural Property Agreement' during the 46th World heritage Committee in New delhi to combat the illicit trafficking of antiquities.
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Balasahana Suresh

22/09/2024 04:34 PM