Artefacts handed over during PM Modi’s diplomatic visit to Netherlands.
The Netherlands on Thursday formally returned a set of rare 11th-century Chola copper plates to India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit, marking a significant step in cultural repatriation efforts between the two countries.
The ceremonial handover took place in the presence of Prime Minister Modi and senior Dutch officials, underscoring growing cooperation in the restitution of illegally removed cultural property. The copper plates, dating back to the reign of the mighty Rajendra Chola I of the Chola dynasty, are considered invaluable historical records that shed light on South India’s political, social and economic life during the medieval period.
The inscriptions engraved on the plates are believed to record royal grants, land endowments and administrative orders issued under the Chola administration. Such copper plate charters were typically issued to Brahmin settlements, temples or officials, and serve as primary source material for historians studying governance, taxation systems, trade networks and temple patronage in the 11th century.
Officials said the artefacts had surfaced in a Dutch collection and were identified as having been removed from India decades ago under unclear circumstances. Following discussions between Indian authorities and their Dutch counterparts, provenance research confirmed their origin, paving the way for their return.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed the restitution, describing it as a reflection of deepening trust and mutual respect between India and the Netherlands. He reiterated India’s commitment to retrieving its cultural heritage from across the world and preserving it for future generations.
Over the past several years, India has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure the return of antiquities smuggled abroad.
