Chennai: US authorities on Thursday returned 248 antiques stolen to India in the largest reconstitution.
From them, around 13 were smuggled from various temples in Tamil Nadu.
This includes the 10th century Bronze Nataraja idol from the Temple of Punnainallur Village from Thanjavur.
The rate of large antique, which was tracked as part of a long-term investigation into the stolen art scheme, was handed over to Indian authorities during the ceremony at the Indian Consulate in New York City.
The US authorities have assured to return 157 Indian antiques stolen during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States in 2016.
They returned 91 antiques in addition.
It was the result of sustainable and sustainable efforts from the NYC District Prosecutor’s Office led by Colonel Mathew Bogdanosand.
They were effectively assisted by analyst from India and Apsara Iyer artists.
Authorities include experts from the Indian archaeological survey.
“This is the biggest single portion restitution for India.
It’s important when we see Indian footprint records,” said S Vijay Kumar, Co-Founder Pride India Project, a group of art fans who work to restore stolen Indian antiques.
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He said according to the comproller and auditor General of India’s report, India has brought back 19 antiques from 1972 to 2000.
“So far, around 300 antiques have been returned to India.
We hope to track and recover 700 antiques next year.
Are some idols tracked to Germany, Australia, Singapore and England, “he added.
This antiquities is smuggled from various parts of the country to the US by Subash Kapoor.
He used his art from the past gallery in New York City to smuggle antiques looted.
Hidden Idol Operation by US Homeland Security Investigation Regarding the Gallery of Kapoor Art (Raids Until 2012 in 14 Storage Locations in NYC only) was produced in a seizure of 2,622 artifacts worth more than RS 850 Crore, consisting of artifacts combined from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Pakistan and Thailand, said Vijay Kumar.
Among antiques that returned to India, the Natraja idol was significant.
It was lost in 1971.
It was traced to the Asian community museum in New York.