New Delhi: India is set to receive three priceless antiquities from the Washington-based Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) after provenance research confirmed they were illegally removed from the country.
The collection features a 9th-century Shiva Nataraja bronze, a 12th-century sculpture of Shiva and Uma, and a 16th-century depiction of Saint Sundarar with Paravi, the Embassy of India, Washington said in a post on X.
The repatriation agreement was signed by Deputy Chief of Mission Amb. Namgya Khampa and NMAA Director Dr. Chase Robinson, on Thursday, marked a significant milestone in restoring India’s cultural heritage.
The Shiva Nataraja bronze will remain on loan for public display, giving visitors insight into India’s rich artistic and spiritual legacy.
Officials emphasized that the return highlights India’s ongoing collaboration with international museums and the importance of safeguarding historical and religious artifacts from illicit trade.
