During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, America has handed over 297 ancient objects (artifacts) to India. These ancient objects, which give information about the country's culture, were smuggled out of the country. A statement said that in the last ten years from 2014 till now, India has got back a total of 640 ancient objects, out of which America alone has returned 578 objects. This is the highest number of cultural artifacts returned to India by any country.
PM tweeted the information
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his gratitude to US President Joe Biden for returning these 297 invaluable artifacts through a post on the social media platform 'X'. The PM also posted some pictures and wrote, 'Deepening cultural engagement and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural assets. I am extremely grateful to President Joe Biden and the US government for returning 297 invaluable artifacts to India.'
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Thanks to President Joe Biden
Officials say that the PM thanked President Joe Biden for returning these antiquities. He said that these objects are not only a part of India's historical culture but also the inner basis of its civilization and consciousness. This achievement is being seen as India maintaining its cultural heritage. Apart from the US, many other countries have also returned antiquities to India, including 16 from Britain, 40 artifacts from Australia and elsewhere. Whereas only one artifact was returned to India between 2004-2013.
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Artefacts from the 10–11th centuries BCE
Some of the special artefacts returned to India include a 10-11th century BC sandstone 'Apsara' from central India, a 3rd-4th century BC terracotta vase from eastern India and a 1st century BC stone sculpture from south India. Officials say that during PM Modi's visit to the US in 2021, the US government had returned 157 artefacts, including a 12th century BC bronze statue of Nataraja. 105 artefacts were returned to India a few days after PM Modi's visit to the US in 2023.
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Smuggled antiques
Illicit smuggling of cultural property is an age-old issue that has affected many cultures and countries throughout history. India has been particularly affected by this issue and a large number of antiquities have been smuggled out of the country. On the occasion of the 46th World Heritage Committee in Delhi in July 2024, India and the US signed the first 'Cultural Property Agreement' to prevent and curb the smuggling of artifacts from India to the US.
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Return of important artifacts
Officials say this major achievement reflects India's resolve to recover stolen treasures and preserve cultural heritage for future generations. This has been possible largely 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.
