Britain's prestigious Oxford University has agreed to return a 500-year-old bronze statue of a saint stolen from a temple in Tamil Nadu to India.
A statement issued by the University's Ashmolean Museum said that on March 11, 2024, the Council of Oxford University supported the Indian High Commission's claim to return the 16th-century bronze statue of Saint Tirumankai Alvar from the Ashmolean Museum. The decision will now be sent to the Charity Commission for approval.
The 60 cm high statue of Saint Tirumankai Alvar was acquired by the Ashmolean Museum of the University of Oxford from Sotheby's auction house in 1967 from the collection of a collector named Dr. J.R. Belmont (1886-1981).
The museum says that in November last year, an independent researcher informed it about the origin of this ancient statue, after which it informed the Indian High Commission about it.
The Indian government has made a formal request for the bronze statue, which is believed to have been stolen from a temple in Tamil Nadu and ended up in a UK museum through auction.
The museum, which houses some of the world's most famous art and archeological artifacts, says it acquired the statue in 1967 in "good faith".
There have been several instances of Indian artifacts stolen from the UK being restored to India, the most recent being in August last year when a limestone carved statue from Andhra Pradesh and a 17th-century "Navaneet Krishna" bronze statue from Tamil Nadu were handed over to the Indian High Commissioner in the UK following a joint investigation by Scotland Yard's art and antiquities unit.
There is a saying: “The interest is dearer than the principal.” This adage is often c
The race for the Orange and Purple Caps in IPL 2026 is becoming increasingly intriguing. Followin
Rules Change: From LPG, UPI to Railways, these major rules have changed from October 1
The month of October has begun today. The new month brings new changes. These changes directly im
The Supreme Court will hear the petitions related to the controversial National Eligibility cum E
If your phone—and those of people around you—have suddenly started ringing simultaneo
South Africa defeated India by three wickets. In a thrilling Women's World Cup match played in Vi
The water level in the Yamuna river is rising rapidly. In view of which the risk of floods in Del
Bigg Boss 19: Malti threatens to expose Ashnoor, actress gets furious on hearing Abhishek's name
The reality show Bigg Boss Season 19 is nearing its finale, and the atmosphere in the house is de
Earthquake tremors were felt in Kutch, Gujarat, with no loss of life or property.
Earthquake tremors were felt in Kutch district of Gujarat this morning. The magnitude of the eart
As India and Pakistan move towards a ceasefire, senior DMK leader TKS Elangovan has welcomed the
