The Leiden University Library in the Netherlands formally returned the 11th-century Chola Copper Plates to the Government of India on May 16, in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
The Chola Copper Plates comprise 21 large plates and three smaller ones. They are royal charters issued by Chola rulers in the 11th century CE and record the gift of Anaimangalam village to a Buddhist vihara called Chulamanivarma-vihara in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu. The inscriptions are written in Tamil and Sanskrit.
Indian officials and historians say the plates are more than archaeological objects: they are primary records of India’s historical governance, religious life and maritime culture, and their return has strong emotional and cultural resonance for many Indians.
Prime Minister Modi described the restitution as “a joyous moment for every Indian,” noting the plates’ connection to Rajendra Chola I and an earlier oral commitment by King Rajaraja I. He said the documents highlight the Cholas’ achievements and India’s proud cultural and maritime heritage, and he thanked the Dutch government and Leiden University, where the plates had been kept since the mid-19th century.
The handover took place while Modi is visiting the Netherlands as part of the second leg of a five-nation tour. The return follows growing international efforts to restitute cultural property to countries of origin.
This report is based on a syndicated feed from ANI.
