According to an official announcement on Sunday, the US gave India “297 antiquities” that had been smuggled out of the nation during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s current visit.
An official statement from the Prime Minister office was also released.
“On the occasion of the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the United States, the US side facilitated the return of 297 antiquities that had been stolen or trafficked from India.”
On Sunday, Monday also took to X, by writing, “Deepening cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties. I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India.”
He also shared images of President Joe Biden holding the returned antiques on social media. In a statement, he expressed gratitude to Joe Biden for his support of the return of these relics and emphasised that they symbolise the essence of India’s civilisation and consciousness, not only their past material culture.
Here’s a list of precious antiques returned:
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Apsara in sandstone from Central India belonging to 10-11th century CE
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Jain Tirthankar in bronze from Central India belonging to 15-16th century CE
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Terracotta vase from Eastern India belonging to 3-4th century CE
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Stone Sculpture from South India belonging to 1st century BCE-1st century CE
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Lord Ganesh in Bronze from South India belonging to 17-18th century CE
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Standing Lord Buddha in sandstone from North India belonging 15-16th century CE
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Lord Vishnu in Bronze from Eastern India belonging to 17-18th century CE
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Anthropomorphic figure in copper from North India belonging to 2000-1800 BCE
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Lord Krishna in bronze from South India belonging to 17-18th century CE
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Lord Karthikeya in granite from South India belonging to 13-14th century CE