Besides this, about 72 more antiquities are in the process of being repatriated from various countries…reports Asian Lite News
In a bid to rejuvenate India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is bringing back the antiquities and artefacts from across the world.
According to an official release, the government has brought back various priceless artefacts stolen and smuggled abroad. “Over centuries, innumerable priceless artefacts, some with deep cultural and religious significance, had been stolen and smuggled abroad. The government adopted a proactive approach to ‘bringing back Indian artefacts and cultural heritage,” said the government release.
On numerous foreign visits, Prime Minister discussed the matter with global leaders and multilateral institutions and total of 251 antiquities have been brought back to India, out of which 238 were brought back since 2014.
Besides this, about 72 more antiquities are in the process of being repatriated from various countries.
“As on April 24, 2023, 251 invaluable antiquities of Indian origin have been retrieved back from different countries, out of which 238 have been brought back since 2014. Further, nearly 72 antiquities are in the process of being repatriated from various countries,” read the release.
“The untiring efforts of the Government of India have led to the repatriation of our rightful artefacts that reflect and epitomise the glory of our ancient civilisation,” further added the release.
Last month, the metal idol of Lord Hanuman that was stolen from a Vishnu Temple, Shri Varatharaja Perumal, Pottaveli Vellur from Ariyalur Dist in Tamil Nadu was handed over to the Indian Embassy in Australia. Union Minister For Culture G Kishan Reddy tweeted the announcement attaching the picture of the idol. The idol was stolen back in the Chola Period (14th -15th century).
Sharing Reddy’s tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, “We are constantly working towards ensuring our prized heritage comes back home.”
According to the central government, the Archaeological Survey of India is constantly making its best efforts to retrieve the antiquities which have been taken away from the country in violation of the Antiquates and Art Treasure Act, 1972.
The ASI is constantly making its best efforts through Indian Missions abroad for retrieval of illegally exported antiquities. Efforts are made to retrieve such antiquities as and when they surface in foreign countries. (ANI)