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During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States, the US government facilitated the return of 297 ancient artifacts that had been illegally smuggled out of India. This repatriation, announced in an official statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), marks a significant step in combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property, a persistent issue that has affected numerous nations throughout history. The returned antiquities, spanning nearly 4,000 years from 2000 BCE to 1900 CE, represent a diverse collection originating from various regions across India.
The returned artifacts include terracotta items primarily from Eastern India, as well as pieces crafted from stone, metal, wood, and ivory, representing diverse artistic traditions from across the country. Among the notable items are a sandstone Apsara from Central India dating back to the 10th-11th century CE, a bronze Jain Tirthankar from Central India from the 15th-16th century CE, and a terracotta vase from Eastern India belonging to the 3rd-4th century CE. This repatriation underscores the commitment of both India and the US to safeguarding cultural heritage and combating its illicit trafficking.
The US has played a key role in returning stolen and trafficked antiquities to India since 2016. The return of 297 artifacts adds to the growing number of repatriations, bringing the total number of cultural artifacts returned by the US to India since 2016 to 578. This makes the US the country that has returned the highest number of Indian antiquities to date. The significance of these repatriations extends beyond the material value of the artifacts; they represent a crucial aspect of India's cultural identity and collective memory. The act of returning these artifacts symbolizes the commitment of both nations to working together to protect and preserve the rich cultural heritage of humanity.
Source: US hands over 297 stolen Indian antiquities amid PM Modi's visit