Parliament Question: Retrieval of Artifacts and Antiquities

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3468 ANSWERED ON 10/08/2026 RETRIEVAL OF ARTIFACTS AND ANTIQUITIES

3468. DR. T SUMATHY ALIAS THAMIZHACHI THANGAPANDIAN:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has retrieved 610 stolen artifacts from USA, Australia, UK, Netherlands during the last two centuries and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether there are many ancient treasures like Kohinoor diamond, Amaravati Marbles and several medieval age sculptures, icons and inscriptions yet to be retrieved back to India from the foreign countries and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and

(c) whether the Government and ASI has any data on the list of antiquities stolen from India and stored in various museums abroad and yet to be brought back to India and if so, the details along with current status thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) The country-wise list of retrieved antiquities is given at Annexure I.

(b) The Government takes up the issue of retrieving objects taken abroad during the colonial period at various forums. The process of retrieval is initiated on a case-by- case basis, keeping in view the applicable national and international laws and conventions. The retrieval of such objects is facilitated through mutual understanding and cooperation between the countries/Governments concerned.

(c) Several museums and art galleries around the world house Indian antiquities, and in addition, such collections are also held by private individuals. However, no comprehensive list of such collections is available. Whenever any illegally exported antiquity of Indian origin is reported on foreign soil, the necessary action is initiated through the concerned Indian Embassy/Mission for its retrieval.Annexure I ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 3468 FOR 10.08.2026 Details of the antiquities retrieved from USA, Australia, UK and Netherlands Sl. No. Country Number of Antiquities

1. Australia 51

2. Netherlands 01

3. UK 21

4. USA 589 662 *****