New Delhi. An important and historic decision related to the cultural heritage of India has been taken in America. The Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, DC has admitted that three ancient bronze sculptures in its collection were illegally stolen from temples in southern India decades ago. The museum has now decided to return these sculptures to the Government of India. This decision has been taken on the basis of years of investigation and strong historical evidence.
The identity of these sculptures and their provenance were confirmed through the photo archives of the French Institute of Pondicherry. Researchers found rare photographs held by this institute which were taken in various temples of Tamil Nadu between 1956 and 1969. In these photographs, the same statues were seen installed at their original place, which made it clear that they were later removed from there illegally.
All three sculptures to be returned are excellent examples of South Indian bronze sculpture. The first idol among these is of Shiva Nataraja of Chola period which is believed to be around 990 AD. This idol was stolen from the Sri Bhava Auddhisvara Temple located in Tiruthuraipundi in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. The second statue is of Somaskanda which belongs to the Chola period of the twelfth century. It had gone missing from Vishwanath temple located in Alattur area of Mannargudi. The third idol is of Saints Sundarar and Paravai which dates back to the sixteenth century Vijayanagara period and was stolen from the Shiva temple at Veersolapuram, Kallakurichi.
Internal investigation of the museum also revealed that the idol of Shiva Nataraja was purchased from a gallery in New York in the year 2002. That gallery had submitted fake documents at the time of sale. The remaining two statues were given as a gift to the museum in 1987. At that time their source was not investigated in depth.
A special agreement has also been signed between the Government of India and the Smithsonian Museum. Under this, after the idol of Shiva Nataraja is formally handed over to India, the Government of India will return it to the museum on long-term loan. This will allow the museum to display this sculpture in its exhibition The Art of Knowing. Now along with this idol, the entire true story of its theft and return to India will also be told to the audience.
Museum director Chase Robinson said the decision reflects our ethical responsibility and transparency towards cultural heritage. He expressed gratitude for the cooperation of the Archaeological Survey of India and the Government of India. This step is being considered as a strong message not only for India but also for the protection of cultural heritage at the global level.
