According to officials, the United States has returned approximately 105 trafficked antiquities to India, and they will soon be back in the country. A repatriation ceremony took place at the Indian Consulate in New York on Monday to mark the handover.
The return of these objects follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent state visit to the USA, during which both countries agreed to sign a Cultural Property Agreement. The agreement aims to facilitate the smooth repatriation of such antique artifacts and combat the illegal trafficking of these valuable heritage items.
The antiquities being returned to India span a period of 1,600 years, ranging from the 1st century BC to the 15th century AD. Among them are significant pieces such as a terracotta Yakshi plaque from the 1st century BC, which was stolen from eastern India, and a red sandstone Dancing Ganesha from the 9th century, originating from central India. Additionally, there is a 10th century Kubera, also from central India, along with various other valuable antiquities made of marble, terracotta, and sandstone. Reports suggest that many of these items were illegally smuggled abroad by Subhash Kapoor, an antique dealer currently serving a jail sentence.
Officials revealed that the 105 artifacts originate from various regions across India. Around 50 of them are related to religious subjects of Hinduism, Jainism, and Islam, while the others hold immense cultural significance.
Once the objects arrive in India, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), operating under the Ministry of Culture, will determine whether each artifact should be returned to its original location and handed over to the respective state government, or if they should be displayed at a museum dedicated to repatriated antiquities at Purana Qila in Delhi.
During his visit to the US, Prime Minister Modi expressed his satisfaction with America’s decision to return over 100 stolen antiquities to India. Modi expressed gratitude to the American government for their actions, as these antiquities had made their way into international markets.
India is also pursuing an agreement with the UK to prevent the trafficking of antiques.
