India’s Push to Reclaim Smuggled Antiquities Gains Momentum

India’s Cultural Heritage Comes Home

India has made remarkable progress in bringing back its smuggled antiquities, with 642 artefacts returned since 2014. This number is particularly impressive when compared to just 13 artefacts repatriated before 2014. The country is now actively reclaiming its cultural legacy, thanks to focused diplomatic efforts and international cooperation.

USA Leads the Repatriation List

The United States has emerged as the biggest contributor in this heritage recovery. From 2020 to 2024, India received 610 cultural objects, and astonishingly, 297 of them were returned in 2024 alone. Out of these, 588 artefacts came from the USA. This leap was possible due to a Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) signed between India and the US, which aims to curb the illegal trade of Indian antiquities.

Task Force and Legal Backbone

To manage these efforts efficiently, the Indian government set up a Heritage Recovery Task Force. This group includes diplomats and legal experts who trace, verify, and pursue stolen artefacts across the globe. Their job doesn’t stop at locating the items—it also involves navigating complex international legal systems to get them back.

Funding the Fight with Public Help

Recently, a parliamentary panel suggested creating a ‘Heritage Repatriation Fund’, allowing private individuals to donate towards the repatriation cause. This public-private partnership model could ease the financial burden on the government. The fund would support legal battles, negotiation for purchases, and the conservation and transportation of returned items.

A Model for More Global Deals

Inspired by the success of the US agreement, India now plans to pursue similar cultural property agreements with countries like the UK, Australia, and France. Experts believe that India’s rising global influence could be a game changer in these negotiations. The goal is clear—bring home what rightfully belongs to India.

A Cultural Revival Beyond Numbers

This isn’t just about numbers. Every returned artefact—be it a bronze idol, a carved stone pillar, or an ancient manuscript—tells a story of India’s past glory. The return of these objects allows them to be seen, studied, and cherished once again by Indians, instead of gathering dust in foreign museums.

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