The sculptures have always been created in every nook and corner of India’s thousands of years of history. They were not only one-of-a-kind examples of Indian sculpture, but they also represented our faith. Many idols have been stolen and smuggled out of India in the past. However, no attempt was ever made to recover them because they were only regarded as works of art at the time. When the country saw a new dawn of change in 2014, it began bringing these artifacts back to India. The 29 such artifacts returned by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the most discussed topic during the India-Australia virtual conference on March 21.
Whether it is border infiltration, the audacity of expansionist forces, or conspiracies attempting to divide the country, India is responding appropriately today. Along with this, the country is now lighting the lamps of change against the darkness of poverty, injustice, and discrimination, while also marching toward self-sufficiency in order to build a new India. But, in the midst of all of this, something that is on everyone’s lips and has never happened before is happening.
Our priceless artifacts, symbolizing our cultural and civilization, which were stolen and sold abroad, are now being returned to the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s devotion, faith, and attachment to India’s golden history have resulted in the successful return of approximately 228 priceless historical statues since 2014. Until 2013, only about 13 idols could be returned to India.
However, countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, Canada, Singapore, Germany, and many others have recognized the spirit of India and enabled the idols to return home. One such instance occurred on March 21, just prior to the India-Australia summit, when Australia returned 29 valuables to India. These are mostly sculpturing and paintings made from various materials such as sandstone, marble, bronze, brass, and paper. These ancient sculptures and important objects from Australia come from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and West Bengal, representing a wide geographical area of India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspected 29 antiquities returned to India by Australia. These antiquities are divided into six categories: Shiva and His Disciples, Shakti Worship, Lord Vishnu and His Forms, Jain Traditions, Paintings and Decorative Objects. The sculptures and paintings are made of a variety of materials, including sandstone, marble, bronze, brass, and paper, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. These antiquities range in date from the 9th to the 10th centuries AD. According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “It is our responsibility to Mother India to bring these idols back. They are also culturally and historically significant because they are associated with Indian sentiments, reverence, and so on. It exemplifies how the world’s perception of India is changing.”
Among the objects or sculptures brought back from abroad by the Modi government are a metal statue of Sridevi from the time of the Chola rulers and a terracotta woman statue from the Maurya period. Aside from that, 24 famous ancient heritages were brought back.Sixteen were from the United States, five from Australia, and one each from Canada, Germany, and Singapore. There is also a metal statue of Bahubali, a Nataraja statue, and a Kumara statue.
The initiative to restore historical heritage, which began in 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, should have been undertaken much earlier. It was ironic that for years, Indian idols were looted, stolen, and sold in other countries. However, Prime Minister Modi’s initiative to shift from diplomacy to mutual relations is an important step toward restoring every Indian’s faith and historical pride in India.
WHEN 157 IDOLS RETURNED FROM AMERICA
Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to India with 157 artifacts from his trip to the United States in September. The artifacts were taken away from the country through theft, trafficking, and smuggling and were confiscated by the US. The United States has decided to return the artifacts to Prime Minister Modi. PM Modi applauded the United States’ decision to return antiquities and artifacts to India. These 157 artifacts and objects ranged from a 1.5-metre-tall 10th-century sandstone carving to an exquisite 8.5-cm-tall 12th-century bronze statue of Nataraja. Among the 157 artifacts and antiquities were 71 cultural artifacts and antiquities, 60 from Hinduism, 16 from Buddhism, and 9 from Jainism.
14 STOLEN ANTIQUES BROUGHT TO INDIA
The National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, Australia, decided to return 14 ancient heritage objects to India as a result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts.Bronze and stone sculptures, painted scrolls, and photographs are among the 14 important artifacts. Its price is said to be $30 million. These 14 stolen heritage items were brought back.
Source : Bureau of Outreach and Communication,New Delhi
Photo : Internet inputs
