India has a long and painful history of antiquities being looted, particularly by colonial powers such as the British, Danish, French, and Portuguese from the 17th to the 19th centuries. During this period, thousands of artefacts, including the renowned Koh-i-Noor diamond, the Amravati marbles, and the Sultanganj Buddha, were taken from India. Many of these treasures still reside in foreign countries, representing a significant loss of cultural heritage.
The recovery process for stolen antiquities begins as soon as a theft is reported. Following the filing of a First Information Report (FIR), a look-out notice is issued to customs and various law enforcement agencies. If the artefact is discovered abroad, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) reaches out to Indian missions overseas through cultural or foreign ministries to facilitate repatriation. The ASI must provide evidence proving the artefact's Indian origin and its illegal export. Additionally, diplomatic negotiations are crucial for artefacts smuggled out prior to 1970, as the UN convention does not cover these cases.
In the last two decades, a total of 358 antiquities have been retrieved from various countries, with an impressive 345 of these artefacts brought back since 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. This highlights the increasing awareness and proactive measures taken by the government in reclaiming India's lost heritage.
Many Indian artefacts remain unaccounted for, often hidden within private collections. The absence of a centralized digitized database in India complicates tracking efforts, as artefacts lack proper documentation and may be sold with fake provenance abroad. Furthermore, many of these items are smuggled via sea routes, which evade customs checks typically found at airports.
The task of tracking and retrieving stolen art persists. A notable example is the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), which facilitates dialogue for the repatriation of ancestral remains held in the Pitt Rivers Museum. This dialogue aims to return approximately 213 remains to India, including artefacts from various states such as Assam, Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, which consist of skull trophies, bones, and culturally significant items.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) plays a pivotal role in the repatriation of stolen and illegally exported cultural property. However, its convention applies only to artefacts smuggled post-1970, necessitating diplomatic efforts for earlier cases. The ASI continues to assist in these negotiations by providing necessary evidence of the artefacts' origins and illegal transport.
Q1. What are some examples of looted Indian artefacts?
Answer: Notable examples include the Koh-i-Noor diamond, the Amravati marbles, and the Sultanganj Buddha, which were taken during colonial rule and remain abroad.
Q2. How does the ASI assist in recovering stolen artefacts?
Answer: The ASI aids in recovery by issuing look-out notices, engaging in diplomatic negotiations, and providing evidence of an artefact's Indian origin to facilitate repatriation.
Q3. What challenges does India face in recovering artefacts?
Answer: Major challenges include the lack of a centralized database, hidden artefacts in private collections, and the need for diplomatic negotiations for items smuggled out before 1970.
Q4. How many antiquities have been repatriated recently?
Answer: Over the past two decades, 358 antiquities have been retrieved, with 345 returned since 2014, highlighting significant progress in repatriation efforts.
Q5. What role does UNESCO play in artefact repatriation?
Answer: UNESCO's convention facilitates the repatriation of artefacts smuggled after 1970, while earlier cases require diplomatic negotiations to retrieve cultural property.
Question 1: What is a significant challenge in tracking stolen Indian artefacts?
A) Lack of interest
B) Absence of a centralized database
C) Overabundance of information
D) Strict customs regulations
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which organisation is primarily responsible for repatriating stolen artefacts in India?
A) Ministry of Culture
B) Archaeological Survey of India
C) UNESCO
D) Indian Council of Historical Research
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What year marked the start of diplomatic negotiations under UNESCO for artefacts?
A) 1960
B) 1970
C) 1980
D) 1990
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Which artefact is known for being looted during the British colonial period?
A) Amravati marbles
B) Taj Mahal
C) Ajanta Caves
D) Sun Temple
Correct Answer: A
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