US Returns Over 1400 Stolen Artifacts to India – In a historic move, the United States has returned more than 1,400 looted artifacts worth approximately $10 million to India. This repatriation is part of an initiative to combat illicit trafficking of cultural treasures and strengthen cultural ties between the two nations.
Key Highlights of the Repatriated Artifacts
The artifacts, spanning over 4,000 years of Indian history, include items made from sandstone, bronze, schist, terracotta, and other materials.
Notable Artifacts
- Apsara Sculpture in Sandstone: Looted from a temple in Madhya Pradesh in the 1980s.
- Tanesar Mother Goddess in Green-Grey Schist: Stolen from Rajasthan in the 1960s.
- Lord Vishnu in Bronze: Originating from Eastern India (17-18th century CE).
- Terracotta Vase: From Eastern India (3-4th century CE).
- Anthropomorphic Figure in Copper: Dated 2000-1800 BCE, from North India.
| Artifact | Material | Origin | Time Period |
| Apsara Sculpture | Sandstone | Madhya Pradesh | 10-11th century CE |
| Tanesar Mother Goddess | Green-Grey Schist | Rajasthan | 1960s |
| Jain Tirthankara | Bronze | Central India | 15-16th century CE |
| Lord Karthikeya | Granite | South India | 13-14th century CE |
US-India Cultural Property Agreement
Signed in July 2024, this agreement aims to prevent the trafficking of antiquities and ensure the safe return of stolen artifacts. It reflects the commitments made by President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to protect and promote cultural heritage.
Repatriation Milestones
- 297 Artifacts Returned in September 2024: Included terracotta items, metal sculptures, and wooden carvings.
- 578 Items Returned Since 2016: The highest number of repatriated artifacts by any country to India.
Role of Key Authorities
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. and Homeland Security Investigations led the efforts to recover the stolen artifacts. The antiquities were seized from institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) during investigations into trafficking networks.
Statements from Leaders
Alvin Bragg emphasized the importance of preserving Indian cultural heritage, while Homeland Security officials called the repatriation a symbol of international cooperation.
Historical Significance of Repatriated Artifacts
These items represent India’s rich cultural legacy, dating back to 2000 BCE. The return of these artifacts not only reinforces India’s cultural pride but also strengthens global efforts to curb illicit trade in antiquities.
US Returns Over 1400 Stolen Artifacts to India – Summary
- Over 1,400 stolen artifacts worth $10 million returned by the US to India.
- Notable items include a 10th-century apsara sandstone sculpture and a mother goddess statue from Rajasthan.
- US and India signed a Cultural Property Agreement in 2024 to combat artifact trafficking.
- Artifacts span 4,000 years, including terracotta, bronze, and stone sculptures.
- Key figures involved include Alvin Bragg Jr. and Homeland Security officials.
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FAQs About US Returns Over 1400 Stolen Artifacts to India
The US returned these artifacts as part of its initiative to combat cultural property trafficking and strengthen ties with India
Signed in July 2024, this agreement aims to prevent illegal trafficking and ensure the repatriation of stolen cultural items.
Artifacts include a sandstone apsara sculpture, Tanesar mother goddess, and terracotta vases, spanning 4,000 years of history
The Antiquities Trafficking Unit and Homeland Security Investigations seized the items from trafficking networks and museums
Since 2016, the US has returned over 578 artifacts, with 1,400 more recently repatriated.
Notable institutions include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which displayed several stolen items.
The returned items are collectively valued at $10 million
