WILMINGTON, 22 SEPTEMBER, 2024 (GPN): On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States, the US side facilitated the return of 297 antiquities that had been stolen or trafficked from India and will shortly be repatriated to India. In a symbolic handing over, a select few pieces were showcased to Prime Minister and President Biden on the sidelines of their bilateral meeting in Wilmington, Delaware. The PM thanked President Biden for his support in the return of these artefacts. He noted that these objects were not just part of India’s historical material culture, but formed the inner core of its civilization and consciousness.The antiquities belong to a time period spanning almost 4000 years, from 2000 BCE – 1900 CE and have origins in different parts of India. Majority of the antiquities are terracotta artefacts from Eastern India, while others are made in stone, metal, wood and ivory and belong to different parts of the country. Some of the notable antiquities handed over comprises Apsara in sandstone, Jain Tirthankar in bronze, Terracotta vase, Lord Ganesh in Bronze, Standing Lord Buddha in sandstone, Lord Vishnu in Bronze, Anthropomorphic figure in copper, Lord Krishna in bronze and Lord Karthikeya in granite etc.
In recent times, restitution of cultural property has become an important aspect of India-US cultural understanding and exchange. Since 2016, the US Government has facilitated the return of a large number of trafficked or stolen antiquities. 10 antiquities were returned during PM’s visit to USA in June 2016; 157 antiquities during his visit in September 2021 and a further 105 antiquities during his visit in June last year. The total number of cultural artefacts returned from US to India since 2016 stands at 578. This is the maximum number of cultural artefacts returned by any country to India.
PM gifted an Antique Silver Hand-Engraved Train Model to President Biden. This vintage silver hand-engraved train model is a rare and extraordinary piece, masterfully crafted by artisans from Maharashtra – renowned for its rich heritage in silver craftsmanship. Made of 92.5% silver, This model is a tribute to the steam locomotive era, with artistic brilliance merging with historical significance and intricate filigree work.
Signifying the robust linkages between India and the US, the model has been customised by inscribing “DELHI – DELAWARE” on the sides of the main carriage and “INDIAN RAILWAYS” on the sides of the engine in English and Hindi based on the standard format used on passenger trains in India.
This masterpiece not only highlights the artisan’s exceptional skill but also serves as a glowing testimony to the long history of Indian railways and its global influences.
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