New Delhi: In a landmark gesture, the United States has returned 297 antique items that were illegally smuggled out of India. This unprecedented repatriation marks the largest number of cultural artefacts ever returned to India by any country. Among these treasures is a 10th-11th century sandstone statue of an “Apsara,” which will be brought back to India by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Official Statement from the US
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s current visit to the United States, the US officially handed over 297 smuggled antique items to India. The collection includes a sandstone “Apsara” from the 10th-11th century, a terracotta vase from the 3rd-4th century, a bronze Jain Tirthankara from the 15th-16th century, and a stone statue from the 1st century BC. This is the highest number of cultural artefacts returned to India by any country.
Smuggler Behind Bars
According to a report by The Indian Express, an investigation conducted in collaboration with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and UK-based Finance Uncovered revealed that antiques dealer Subhash Kapoor was found with a treasure trove of 77 Indian jewels. Kapoor is currently serving a 10-year jail sentence in Tamil Nadu for his involvement in smuggling.
Significance of the Apsara in Indian Mythology
The word “Apsara” is derived from the Sanskrit words “apa,” meaning water, and “sara,” meaning motion. In Hindu mythology, Apsaras are celestial dancers who reside in heaven and entertain the gods. They are often depicted as beautiful women with deep blue eyes, so captivating that every man desires to possess them.
This historic return not only strengthens the cultural ties between India and the United States but also underscores the importance of preserving and respecting cultural heritage.
