157 Classical Antiques Repatriated To India From US Collections | Alternative Fruit

Pieces of stone, carved by ancient hands, depict revered figures from Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist folklore. These global religions are fundamental to life in India, the source of many beliefs. Ancient art from this Eastern philosophy is more than just a masterpiece to those who have been brought up drinking from the local fountain of wisdom. These are heroes and gods. You cannot put a price on these images, as close to the divine as humans can reach, by creating our imaginary images we reach for eternity.


Prime Minister of India Narenda Modi recently visited the United States on a good will and multi-national co-operation agenda. To celebrate the growing relationship between the two nations, President Biden's administration sourced and repatriated 157 items of antiquity originating from India. Over the years, many precious items have been sold, looted, and found by eager travellers and greedy colonists. What ever the reason they're not at home, the priceless and culturally intrinsic items have been calling out for their people.


The majority of the collection removed is from the 11th to 14th Centuries, making a lot of the items extremely fragile and in need of constant attention. Not everything is this old, however, the collection also contains an 18th Century sheathed sword that is inscribed in Persian. You'll find 56 terracotta figurines, each one representing a person or divine figure, and a huge 1.5m long sandstone relief stone that dates to the 10th Century. Perhaps the most impressive item of all is an anthropomorphic copper structure from 2000 BC.


The world-faiths of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism are represented in this trove, with relics and artisan pieces clearly showing well-known people and ideas. The objects have each been sourced with an intent to hand them back. The majority have been seized by customs officials and the rest were kept in national museums and collections. It's good news for the global community to know that important and valuable objects are gradually finding their way home.


You can find out more about this news story in The Indian Express