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Smithsonian Returns Looted Sculptures to India
28 Jan
Summary
- Three ancient Indian sculptures were returned to India by the Smithsonian.
- Research confirmed sculptures were illegally removed from Tamil Nadu temples.
- One sculpture will be loaned back for a special exhibition.
The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art has committed to returning three ancient Indian sculptures to India. These artifacts were identified through extensive research as having been illegally removed from temples in Tamil Nadu. The sculptures include 'Shiva Nataraja' from the Chola period, 'Somaskanda' from the Chola period, and 'Saint Sundarar with Paravai' from the Vijayanagar period.
These South Indian bronze castings represent significant artistic heritage. The 'Shiva Nataraja' sculpture, originally from a temple in Thanjavur district, was photographed in its temple in 1957 and later acquired by the Smithsonian in 2002. Museum researchers discovered that documentation provided for its sale was falsified.
Similarly, 'Somaskanda' and 'Saint Sundarar with Paravai' were found to have been removed from temples in Alattur and Veerasolapuram villages. The Archaeological Survey of India has affirmed that the removal violated Indian laws. As a result of these findings, the museum is taking action to repatriate these cultural objects.
