REPATRIATION OF ANTIQUITIES AND CULTURAL OBJECTS

Key Highlights:

• Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, provided details on the repatriation of antiquities and theft prevention in Lok Sabha.
• A total of 615 antiquities were retrieved from various countries, including the USA, UK, and Australia, over the last five years (up to June 30, 2026).
• Security measures at Centrally Protected Monuments include watch and ward staff, private security, and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
• The repatriation process is continuous, involving the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Indian Embassies/Missions.

Detailed Insights:

• The government takes necessary steps to prevent theft from Monuments of National Importance, sites, and museums.
• When a theft is reported, an FIR is lodged, and a Look out Notice is issued to law enforcement and Customs to trace stolen items and prevent their export.
• Annexure-I detailed specific theft cases from Centrally Protected Monuments across states like Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu.
• Some stolen antiquities, such as a Nandi sculpture and Buddha sculptures, have been recovered, while others like a stone idol of Ganpati remain unrecovered.
• The significant number of retrievals underscores India's persistent efforts to reclaim its cultural heritage from abroad.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Antiquities: Objects of cultural, historical, or artistic significance, typically old and protected by law.
• Centrally Protected Monuments: Historical sites and structures declared to be of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.
• Repatriation: The process of returning cultural property or artifacts to their country or community of origin.
• Look out Notice: A circular issued to prevent an individual or object from leaving or entering the country, often used in cases of theft or absconding.