Australia to Repatriate Three Stolen Antiquities to India
Prelims:
Art & Culture, International Relations
Mains:
GS Paper I-Indian Heritage and Culture, GS Paper II-International Relations
Current relevance:
Australia announced the repatriation of three culturally significant antiquities stolen from temples in Tamil Nadu, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, marking another milestone in India’s efforts to recover its stolen cultural heritage.
Highlights:
Repatriation of Antiquities:
Australia will return three ancient artefacts that were illegally removed from temples in Tamil Nadu and later traced to the National Gallery of Australia.
Legal Framework:
• The repatriation is being carried out under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) between India and Australia.
• Investigations by the Tamil Nadu Idol Wing CID established that the artefacts had been illegally removed from temples and trafficked overseas.
Historical background:
The artefacts date back to the 11th–12th centuries and belong to the Chola period, renowned for its exceptional temple art and bronze sculptures.
Granite Nandi Sculpture:
i.Nandi, the sacred bull, is the vahana and foremost devotee of Lord Shiva.
ii.It originally stood in a Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu, facing the sanctum (garbhagriha), symbolising devotion, strength, and righteousness.
Basalt Karthikeya (Shanmukha) Sculpture:
i.It is originally from the Naganathaswamy Temple, Manambadi (Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu).
ii.The six-headed (Shanmukha) deity represents wisdom, courage, victory, and divine knowledge, and is an important symbol in South Indian temple traditions.
Bhadrakali Bronze Trident (Trishul):
i.The Bronze Trident is a ceremonial weapon associated with Goddess Bhadrakali, a fierce manifestation of Goddess Parvati symbolising power, protection, and the destruction of evil.
ii.Originally belonged to the Sri Kasi Viswanatha Swamy Temple, Kollumangudi (Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu) and was used in temple rituals and processions.