In a momentous ceremony held in New Delhi on Monday, the United States officially handed over 105 invaluable antiquities, including sculptures, paintings, and textiles, to India. This significant repatriation event marks the ongoing efforts of the US to return cultural treasures to their rightful owners. The items, which were seized by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) between 2014 and 2022, originate from various regions in India, such as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, spanning from the 6th to the 19th centuries.
Among the treasured items returned to India is a remarkable bronze sculpture of the revered Hindu goddess Durga, a captivating painting depicting the Mughal emperor Akbar, and an exquisite textile originating from the Vijayanagara period. These artifacts, along with other remarkable pieces, were ceremoniously handed over to India by the US Ambassador to India, Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Ambassador Sandhu emphasized that this repatriation serves as a testament to the enduring partnership between the United States and India.
To ensure their preservation and accessibility to the public, the returned antiquities will find their new home at the esteemed National Museum in New Delhi. This symbolic gesture further strengthens the cultural ties between the two nations and contributes to the safeguarding of India’s rich and diverse heritage.
details regarding the antiquities
- The 105 antiquities were seized by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during the period of 2014 to 2022.
- Originating from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and other regions, these antiquities span a timeline ranging from the 6th to the 19th centuries.
- Notable items among the collection include the bronze sculpture of Hindu goddess Durga, a painting featuring Mughal emperor Akbar, and a textile originating from the Vijayanagara period.
The return of these invaluable antiquities serves as a significant event that underscores the strong partnership between the United States and India, while also contributing to the preservation and protection of India’s rich cultural heritage.
