Ashmolean Returns 16th Century Idol to India

In a significant cultural repatriation, the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford has returned a 16th-century bronze idol of saint Thirumankai Alvar to India. The sacred icon, originally from the Shri Soundararaja Perumal temple in Tamil Nadu, was acquired by the museum at a 1967 auction. Its origins in India were confirmed in November 2019 by an independent researcher.

The museum engaged with the High Commission of India in London to verify the idol's provenance, culminating in a formal handover ceremony at India House. Museum director Dr. Xa Sturgis highlighted the evidence that the bronze could not have legitimately left India. The Ashmolean acted in good faith but chose to discuss return possibilities upon learning of its origins.

Believed to have been stolen and replaced with a replica, the bronze sculpture's return journey was facilitated after museum experts confirmed its roots with Indian authorities. Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, praised the Ashmolean's seriousness and patience in this matter, marking a major step for the institution.

The transfer deed was approved by the Indian Ministry of Culture. The bronze is now en route to India for further due diligence by the Archaeological Survey of India. The repatriation event also included the return of four other ancient artefacts recovered through international cooperation with US and UK law enforcement agencies, underscoring efforts to combat the illicit trade in cultural property.