India is planning a repatriation campaign for artefacts dating back to the colonial era, including the controversial Kohinoor diamond and other idols and sculptures in museums across the UK, newspaper reported. The report claims the issue is among the priorities of the Narendra Modi-led government, and it is likely to spill over into diplomatic and trade talks between the two countries.
While the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is said to be leading efforts to reclaim objects “trafficked” out of the country since independence, officials in New Delhi are believed to be coordinating with diplomats in London to make formal requests to institutions holding artefacts seized as “spoils of war” or collected by enthusiasts during colonial rule.
"The long work of repatriation will begin with what is considered the easiest targets, small museums and private collectors, who may be more willing to voluntarily hand over Indian artefacts, and then efforts will turn to larger institutions and Royal collections," the newspaper report said.
Senior officials in New Delhi believe that such historical artefacts can reinforce a strong national cultural identity, with Lily Pandeya, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, quoted as saying: “Antiquities have both physical and intangible value, they are part of the continuity of cultural heritage, of community and national identity. By robbing these artefacts, you are robbing this value, and breaking the continuity of knowledge and community.”
The Kohinoor
The Kohinoor, also known as Koh-i-Noor or mountain of light in Persian, was in the spotlight at last week's Coronation with Queen Camilla averting a diplomatic row by choosing alternative diamonds for her consort’s crown.
The 105-carat diamond was held by rulers in India before landing in the hands of the East India Company from Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s treasury and then being presented to Queen Victoria following the annexation of Punjab.
“The return of such a historically significant artefact would be ‘deeply symbolic,’ according to ministerial circles in New Delhi, and there is understood to be a political will to achieve such a symbolic post-colonial victory,” the report said.