Centuries-Old Artifacts to be Repatriated
The United States is set to return 297 antiquities stolen or illegally exported from India, many of which date back hundreds of years. This repatriation effort follows a recent agreement between the two nations aimed at protecting cultural heritage and expediting the return of stolen artifacts.
Symbolic Handover Between Biden and Modi
President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the occasion by posing with some of the artifacts during Modi’s recent visit to the U.S. In July, both countries signed a cultural property agreement to combat illegal trade and streamline the repatriation process.
Historic Artifacts Cover Broad Range of Indian History
The artifacts, which span from 2000 BCE to 1900 CE, include terracotta items primarily from eastern India, as well as sculptures, vases, and pieces made of stone, metal, wood, and ivory. A sandstone sculpture of Apsara, a celestial dancer from Hindu and Buddhist mythology, was among the notable pieces displayed. Other showcased items include a stone carving depicting a man with two women and an elephant rider.
Ongoing Efforts to Protect Indian Cultural Heritage
India has intensified its campaign against the illegal export of cultural items in recent years, with this latest repatriation reflecting growing international cooperation. In 2022, the U.S. returned 307 artifacts linked to New York art dealer Subhash Kapoor, who was later sentenced in India for smuggling. Since 2016, the U.S. has repatriated 578 cultural items to India, underscoring the strengthened cultural ties between the two countries.
The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has yet to comment on the latest repatriation efforts.