Why did America return 297 ancient heritages of India? PM Modi explained the reason as well as the impact

New Delhi: America has handed over 297 ancient objects (artifacts) to India during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These ancient objects, which give information about the country’s culture, were smuggled out of the country. A statement said that in the last ten years from 2014 till now, India has got back a total of 640 ancient objects, out of which America alone has returned 578 objects. This is the highest number of cultural artifacts returned to India by any country.

PM tweeted the information

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked US President Joe Biden for returning these 297 priceless artifacts through a post on the social media platform ‘X’. The PM also posted some pictures and wrote, ‘Deepening cultural engagement and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural assets. I am extremely grateful to President Joe Biden and the US government for returning 297 priceless artifacts to India.

Thanks to President Joe Biden

Officials say that the PM thanked President Joe Biden for returning these antiques. he/she said that these objects are not only a part of India’s historical culture but are also the inner basis of its civilization and consciousness. This achievement is being seen as India maintaining its cultural heritage. Apart from America, many other countries have also returned antiques to India, in which 16 artifacts have been returned from Britain, 40 from Australia and other places. Whereas only one artifact was returned to India between 2004-2013.

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Artefacts from the 10-11th century BCE

Some of the special artefacts returned to India include an ‘Apsara’ made of sandstone from central India dating back to 10-11th century BC, a terracotta vase from eastern India dating back to 3rd-4th century BC and a stone statue from south India dating back to 1st century BC. Officials say that during PM Modi’s visit to the US in 2021, the US government had returned 157 artefacts, including a bronze statue of Nataraja dating back to 12th century BC. 105 artefacts were returned to India a few days after PM Modi’s US visit in 2023.

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Antiques were smuggled out

Illicit smuggling of cultural property is an age-old issue that has affected many cultures and countries throughout history. India has been particularly affected by this issue and a large number of antiquities have been smuggled out of the country. On the occasion of the 46th World Heritage Committee in Delhi in July 2024, India and the US signed the first ‘Cultural Property Agreement’ to prevent and curb the smuggling of artefacts from India to the US.
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Return of important artifacts

Officials say that this great achievement reflects India’s resolve to recover stolen treasures and preserve cultural heritage for future generations. This has been possible to a large extent due to PM Modi’s personal relations with global leaders. It is a matter of joy for India that iconic statues and important artifacts related to its cultural identity are being returned.