New Delhi, Sep 22 (IANS) The US has handed over 297 antiquities to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, taking the total number of antiquities recovered by India since 2014 to 640.
The US alone has returned 578 items. This achievement is being seen by India as a way of preserving its cultural heritage.
In 2021, the US government handed over 157 antiquities. These included an exquisite 12th century bronze Nataraja statue.
Also, 105 antiquities were returned to India a few days after the PM’s visit to America in 2023. This campaign of the Government of India is spread across many countries besides America. In which 16 artifacts have been returned from Britain, 40 from Australia and other places.
Whereas between 2004-2013, only one artwork was returned to India.
Also, in July 2024, during the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting in New Delhi, India and the United States signed the first ‘Cultural Property Agreement’ to prevent and curb the illicit smuggling of antiquities from India to the United States.
The illegal smuggling of cultural property is an age-old issue that has affected many cultures and countries. India has been particularly affected by this issue and a large number of antiquities have been smuggled out of the country.
In such a situation, this great achievement reflects India’s resolve to recover stolen treasures and preserve cultural heritage for future generations. This has been possible to a large extent due to PM Modi’s personal relations with global leaders. It is a matter of joy for India that iconic statues and important artifacts related to its cultural identity are being returned.
–IANS
AKS/KR
