Heritage / Australia returned hundreds of years old artifacts of India, PM Modi expressed gratitude

Australia has returned 29 archaeological objects that were part of Indian culture and illegally taken out of the country. These include many artifacts, paintings and decorative objects, including the 9th-century Dandapani (Shaiva Bhairav), the 10th-century Lakshmi-Narayan and the 12th-century child saint Sambandar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Australian PM Scott Morrison for his heritage return in an online meeting held on Monday.

PM Modi said, these artifacts were illegally sent outside the country from many states including Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh. On behalf of all Indians, PM thanked Morris for this step of Australia. Also told, displayed all the artifacts by reaching them at the proper place.

228 artifacts returned since 2014, 13 were returned before that: Archaeological Survey of India calls it a 'reconstruction of culture'. Said, 228 artifacts have been brought back to India since 2014. Earlier, from 1976 to 2013, only 13 artifacts could be brought back to India.

6 classes of artifacts

The returned artifacts are in 6 squares. These include Shiva and devotees, Shakti, Lord Vishnu, his incarnations, Jain tradition, portraits and decorative items. It is made of sandstone, marble, bronze, brass, paper. Apart from the states mentioned by the PM, it belongs to Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh.

These artifacts are special

1. Shiva Bhairav: In this statue of 9th-10th century Rajasthan, Bhairav, who is called Dandapani, is holding a trident, damaru, skull and snake in his hands. In the Shaivite tradition, he is considered a fierce form of Shiva.

2. Nrityat Sambandar: This 14th century statue of Tamil Nadu is made of brass. It depicts the seventh century child saint Sambandar dancing. This saint, who lived till the age of 16, is considered to have composed 16,000 verses in praise of Shiva. A total of three of his statues have returned to India.

3. Shakti: This is a statue of Gujarat from 12th to 13th century. In this, Goddess Shakti is depicted as Mahishasurmardini Durga. Showing aggression on his face, his tongue is out and he is holding Mahishasura by the hair.

4. Lakshmi-Narayan: The statue of 10th to 11th century is estimated to be of UP or Rajasthan. In this, Brahma and Shiva are honored by standing on either side of the divine Lakshmi and Narayan.