Retracing things of cultural and historical significance has always been very close to the core of the country. Recognising this very emotional connect, the Narendra Modi government waged a war against the stolen and smuggled objects of much importance even since it came to power. The recovery and restitution of over 200 priceless things is the result of the continuous efforts being made by different government agencies. Altogether, 212 stolen antiquities have been brought back to the country during last seven years with the USA being on the top with 157 items. “95% of the heritage that was stolen or taken away, has been returned during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’, said Kishan Reddy, the minister of culture, addressing the ‘Reimagining Museums in India’ in Hyderabad.
Majority of these antiquities are related to Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Last year, US President Joe Biden handed over to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi as many as 157 artefacts. Similarly, a few artefacts from Australia, Canada, Britain, Germany, France, and Singapore have also been brought back to the country. One of these cultural objects is said to be around 7,000 years old and several are of around 2,000 years old. However, most of such things belong to the period between 11th and 14th centuries and were stolen or smuggled out of India over a period of time. These invaluable antefacts explain to us how rich our culture was.
Very recently, a beautifully crafted and around 1200 year old Buddha idol was recovered from Milan, Italy and handed over to the consul general of India in this Italian city. This 8th century stone Bodhisattva sculpture was stolen from Devisthan Kundalpur Temple in Kurkihar in Gaya, Bihar.
According to Ministry of Culture, between 1979 and 2013, only 12 artefacts and antiquities belonging to India, had been brought back, however the pace picked up when the present dispensation came to power in 2014.
The Archaeological Survey of India has also initiated intelligence sharing with the Enforcement Directorate and Customs, in the process of tightening its vigil on smuggling of precious items from India.
The repatriated antiquities include Ardhanareswar from Tamil Nadu, Parot Lady from MP, Durga Mahismardini from J&K, metal image of Parvati from Tamil Nadu, metal statue of Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Devi Annapura.
Apart from the efforts being made by the government, several other factors are also contributing to the speedy recovery of such important artefacts. The art market is also becoming a little more regularised, demanding worthless provenance certificates from agencies. Moreover, the appetite for unprovenanced antiquities is changing as collectors of such items are being criminally charged globally. Such collections by an individual or an organisation, are also being seized as majority of the countries are formulating strict rules with regard to stealing, smuggling and possession of cultural objects.
Besides, Interpol is also playing its role in the recovery of such items. To control smuggling and seizure of antefacts, International Criminal Police Organization has launched a mobile application- ‘ID-Art’, emphasizing on safeguarding the cultural heritage, as artefacts show the cultural history of the nations. Using cutting-edge image-recognition software, ID-Art, allows users to search about the stolen object by uploading a picture. “This new tool is a significant step forward in enhancing the ability of police officers, cultural heritage professionals, and the general public to protect our common heritage,” said Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock.
Addressing two-day Global Summit (15-16th February, 2022) in Hyderabad on ‘Reimagining Museums in India’, G. Kishan Reddy, the Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and Development of the North- Eastern Region, strongly emphasised on the preservation and restoration of the cultural property. He said, “India is a land of rich cultural heritage and this needs to be preserved, propagated and perpetuated. I believe our museums provide a wonderful medium to achieve these goals”. It is interesting to note here that presently, India’s 1000+ museums, which are instrumental in not just showcasing and preserving the cultural heritage, but also educating future generations about the things of historical importance. Alberto Gariandini, President, International council of museums and Webber Ndoro, Director General, ICCROM also lauded India’s efforts to preserve its heritage during this ceremony.
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