US returns over 200 artifacts worth more than $100 million to India

[chanikya]

The US today returned over 200 cultural artifacts estimated at $100 million to India at a ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at Washington DC.

“For some, these artifacts may be measured in monetary terms but for us this is beyond that. It’s a part of our culture and heritage,” the Prime Minister said at the ceremony held at the Blair House.

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Items returned included religious statues, bronzes and terra cotta pieces, some dating back 2,000 years, looted from some of India’s most treasured religious sites.

Among the pieces returned is a statue of Saint Manikkavichavakar, a Hindu mystic and poet from the Chola period (circa 850 AD to 1250 AD) stolen from the Sivan Temple in Chennai, which is valued at $1.5 million.

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...worth-more-than-100-million-to-india-2838614/

 

[Ronin]

Good news
Now look after these well

 

[Rajaraja Chola]

Most of the statues were from Tamil Nadu belonging to fine artisans of Chola period. And many still lying unprotected. I wont be surprised to find officials from TN Hindu Arts and Charitable trusts officials behind the stealings.

 

[dadeechi]

God save these.

India has such a bad record that some times I feel these types of artifacts are better off in western museums.