WORLD NEWS | India plans to return Kohinoor colony artifacts from UK: Report

LONDON/NEW DELHI, May 13 (PTI) India is planning a campaign to repatriate artefacts dating back to colonial times, including the controversial Kohinoor diamond and other icons and sculptures in museums across the UK, British media reported on Saturday.

The Daily Telegraph said the issue is one of the priorities of the Narendra Modi-led government and is likely to spill over into diplomatic and trade talks between the two countries.

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While the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is said to be leading efforts to recover items “trafficked” out of the country since independence, officials in New Delhi are believed to be coordinating with diplomats in London to make a formal request to institutions holding seized artefacts as ” Trophy” or collected by hobbyists during colonial rule.

“The lengthy repatriation process will begin with what are considered the easiest targets, small museums and private collectors, who may be more willing to voluntarily hand over Indian antiquities, before efforts will move to larger institutions and royal collections,” the paper reported.

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Senior officials in New Delhi believe that such historical artifacts can enhance a strong sense of national cultural identity, Lily Pandeya, joint secretary of the Ministry of Culture, said: “Antiquities have both material and intangible value, they are part of the continuity of national culture …cultural heritage, community and national identity. By robbing these artefacts, you are robbing that value and destroying the continuity of knowledge and community.”

Kohinoor, also known in Persian as Koh-i-Noor or the Koh-i-Noor, was in the spotlight at last week’s coronation, with Queen Camilla opting for an alternative diamond for her consort’s tiara, avoiding diplomatic dispute.

The 105-carat diamond was held by the rulers of India, then fell from the treasury of Maharaja Ranjit Singh into the hands of the East India Company, and was then presented to Queen Victoria after the annexation of Punjab.

According to the report: “According to ministerial circles in New Delhi, the return of such a historic artefact would be ‘deeply symbolic’, and it is understood that it is a post-colonial triumph to achieve such symbolism.” political will.”

The British Museum could face claims over its collection of Hindu statues and Amaravati marbles taken from a Buddhist stupa by civil servant Sir Walter Elliott, as could the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Indian collection subject to claims.

The newspaper described such efforts to recover Indian antiquities as a “liquidation” of the country’s colonial past, with India’s Culture Minister Govind Mohan quoted as saying that the return of antiquities would be a key part of Indian policymaking.

“This is very important for the government. The thrust of the effort to return Indian antiquities comes from the personal commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has made it a top priority,” Mohan was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

Other cultural trends have returned in recent years, with Greece seeking the Elgin marbles and Nigeria seeking Benin bronzes.

Last year Glasgow Life, the charity that runs Scotland’s city museum, signed an agreement with the Indian government to return seven stolen artefacts to India.

Most of these items were removed from temples and shrines in various northern Indian states during the 19th century, and one was purchased after it was stolen from its owner.

All seven artifacts were gifted to Glasgow’s collection, according to Glasgow Life.

In New Delhi, a senior ASI official said there was a concerted effort to repatriate artefacts from abroad.

“Since independence, 251 artefacts have been brought back to India, of which 238 have been repatriated since 238,” ASI spokesman Vasant Swarnkar said.

“In addition, around 100 artifacts are being returned from countries such as the UK and the US,” he told the Press Trust of India.

Antiquities in India are governed by the Antiquities and Fine Arts Act, 1972, which states that “no person shall lawfully export any antiquities or fine arts… other than the Central Government or any authority or agency authorized by the Central Government for that purpose…”.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from a Syndicated News feed, the content body may not have been modified or edited by LatestLY staff)