Theft of rare Indian antiques and exporting these to western countries, the US and Australia has been noted since long. Unfortunately in this broad day burglary diplomatic channels have played conspicuous role. This has been the habit of western colonial powers everywhere if they had approach and influence in the Asiatic countries. They have enriched their museums magnificently with the artefacts obtained either clandestinely or through unpatriotic nationals of concerned countries. India is an ancient country with ancient civilization that is rich, colourful and imaginative. Its museums, temples, shrines, private archives all are full with very precious and rare artefacts. Unscrupulous people linked to some of the famous temples in India were seduced by connoisseurs of art who stole the artefacts and sold these to foreigners in return of good amount. This is how most of our precious antiquities have been lost to us.
We are told that about of rare Indian antiquities have been voluntarily returned by many foreign countries including the US and Australia. According to the Archaeological Survey of India 13 more artefacts are expected to be returned soon. Two of the retrieved artefacts are from our State. In this regard we would like that the Government of India streamlines the rules and practices of stopping theft or clandestine export of artefacts from our country. An advisory has to be issued to foreign missions that taking away artefacts is a crime and will be punished under law.
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