On the occasion of India Independence Day on Thursday, the Indian commissioner in London handed over two rare artifacts which were stolen from Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
The artifacts were found after a joint investigation by the American and British authorities with the help of officials of the Scotland Yard.
The Indian high commissioner in the United Kingdom Ruchi Ghanshyam received the two artifacts – a limestone carved relief made during the period between 1st century BC and 1st century AD, and a 17th-century bronze figure of Navneetha Krishna.
HCI also received the artefacts of 1st century BC and 1st century AD, originating from Tamil Nadu. The artifacts were handed over by @metpoliceuk persuant to investigation by Homeland Security @DHSgov @HMOIndia @ASIGoI pic.twitter.com/ooFSZ4NX0v
— India in the UK (@HCI_London) August 15, 2019
Ghanshyam, hoping that more than 2000 antiquities would be returned to India when the legal proceedings against those involved conclude, thanked the officials of the Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for recovering and returning the antiquities to India.
One of the most prolific art bootleggers in the world, who was recently charged in Manhattan, New York, is found to have links with the artifacts. A person from the UK who possessed the items came forward to HSI expressing a desire to surrender the artifacts.
In June 2019, working with the MPS, the individual cooperated and turned over the artifacts to authorities.
The limestone relief, originating from Andhra Pradesh, is estimated to date from 1st century BC to 1st century AD, as per revelations by Indian Customs and an expert examination. Moreover, the bronze figure, originating from Tamil Nadu, is estimated to date from 17th century AD.
The domain experts will be physically examining both the artifacts at a later date to set up their exact period and primary location.
The repatriated artifacts are just two of more than 2,600 antiquities that have been recovered around the world. The investigation remains ongoing.
Peter C. Fitzhugh, special agent in charge for HSI New York said: “The cultural significance of artifacts looted from regions around the world extends beyond a monetary value. The pieces, like those recovered through this operation, are stolen fragments of history; and it is an honor to return them to their rightful home country.”
“HSI recognizes the importance of both international and local partnerships in locating pilfered antiquities and cultural property, and it is through these repatriations that new generations are able to experience a part of their nation’s story.”
The handover event came as a part of Independence Day celebrations in India House in the British capital city, which was preceded by a significant event in Bedford, where the India flag was hoisted in the Town Hall, home of the local council.
