British Museum returns artifacts looted during colonial times to India

This step is part of a policy taken by several countries, after various countries that were objects of colonialism in the 19th century demanded the return of their artworks.

This claim was further strengthened by the emergence of the anti-racism movement, as a result of which various Western museums evaluated the origin of the objects in their collections and initiated restitution procedures.

Seven antiquities that the Glasgow museum handed over to India have been looted from sacred sites such as temples and donated to the city’s museum collections..

Six of the items had been stolen from northern India in the 1800s and another, a ceremonial sword from around the 14th century, was purchased illegally after it was stolen from its owner, AFP news agency reported.

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AFP | Photographer: Andy Buchanan

The step taken by the Glasgow museum was in response to the decision to return 51 objects, because in addition to the seven destined for India, it also returned 19 bronzes from the ancient kingdom of Benin that had been promised to Nigeria and 25 objects – mainly ceremonial objects – the Cheyenne River and the Oglala tribe. Sioux in South Dakota, United States.

come back this friday “marks an important milestone for Glasgow” and trying to get the “rightful owners” to own the works again, he insisted Duncan Donranin charge of museums and collections GlasgowLifeaccording to the agency’s statement.

“These objects are part of our heritage as a civilization and will now be returned to their country of origin,” said the acting head of India’s diplomatic mission in Britain, Sujit Ghoshwhich thanks “everyone who made this possible”, including the city of Glasgow.

Correspondingly, last year, the French Government inaugurated the return to the African nation of Benin of 26 works of art looted from Abomey Palace during the colonial wars of the 19th century, which was a milestone for the nation, which started claiming their cultural heritage to various countries.

Elena Eland

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