US Returns 297 Priceless Antiquities to India, Boosting Cultural Ties
Pic Source: X post from @narendramodi
In a landmark gesture of cultural cooperation, the United States has returned 297 stolen or trafficked antiquities to India, marking a significant milestone in their bilateral relations. The repatriation ceremony took place on September 21, 2024, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States.
The returned treasures span an impressive 4,000 years, dating back to 2000 BCE – 1900 CE, and originate from various regions of India. The collection includes terracotta artifacts from Eastern India, as well as pieces made in stone, metal, wood, and ivory from different parts of the country.
Some of the most notable antiquities handed over include an Apsara in sandstone from Central India, a Jain Tirthankar in bronze, and a terracotta vase from Eastern India. Other remarkable pieces include stone sculptures from South India, bronze figures of Lord Ganesh and Lord Vishnu, and a standing Lord Buddha in sandstone from North India.
Prime Minister Modi expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Biden for supporting the return of these invaluable artifacts, emphasizing that they form the core of India’s civilization and consciousness.
This repatriation is a direct result of the Cultural Property Agreement signed in July 2024 between the US State Department and the Archaeological Survey of India. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in protecting cultural heritage, reflecting the commitments made by President Biden and Prime Minister Modi in June 2023.
The US government has facilitated the return of 578 cultural artifacts to India since 2016, demonstrating the growing cultural understanding and exchange between the two nations. This includes 10 antiquities returned in 2016, 157 in 2021, and 105 in 2023.
The return of these antiquities serves as a testament to the strengthening bilateral ties between India and the US and their shared commitment to preserving cultural heritage. This significant gesture underscores the importance of international cooperation in protecting the world’s cultural treasures.
