Oxford University to Return Stolen 500-Year-Old Bronze Idol to India

In a significant move towards restitution, the prestigious Oxford University has agreed to return a 500-year-old bronze idol of Saint Tirumankai Alvar to India. 

This decision marks an important step in the ongoing efforts to repatriate cultural artifacts to their countries of origin.

The bronze statue, which stands at 60 centimeters tall, was acquired by the Ashmolean Museum at the University of Oxford from Sotheby’s auction house in 1967. 

The statue had been part of the collection of Dr. JR Belmont, a collector whose lifespan extended from 1886 to 1981. 

However, the origins of the statue were brought into question last November by an independent researcher who alerted the museum to its potentially stolen status.

Subsequently, the museum notified the Indian High Commission, prompting the Indian government to make a formal request for the statue's return. 

The bronze idol is believed to have been stolen from a temple in Tamil Nadu before making its way to the UK. 

On March 11, 2024, the Council of the University of Oxford supported the claim from the Indian High Commission for the statue’s return, a decision that now awaits approval from the Charity Commission.

The Ashmolean Museum, known for its extensive collection of world-renowned art and archaeological artifacts, stated that it had acquired the statue in “good faith” in 1967. 

This incident underscores the complex history of many museum pieces, which often involves unclear or contested provenance.

This is not an isolated case. In recent years, there have been several instances of stolen Indian artifacts being restored from the UK to India. 

Just last August, a limestone carved relief sculpture from Andhra Pradesh and a 17th-century bronze sculpture of “Navaneetha Krishna” from Tamil Nadu were returned to India. 

These returns were the result of a joint investigation involving the US, the UK, and Scotland Yard’s Art and Antiques Unit.

The return of the Saint Tirumankai Alvar statue is a reminder of the importance of provenance research and ethical considerations in the acquisition of cultural artifacts. 

It also highlights the ongoing efforts of countries like India to reclaim their cultural heritage from institutions around the world.

As the global conversation around the repatriation of cultural artifacts continues to evolve, the decision by Oxford University sets a significant precedent. 

It acknowledges the importance of returning culturally significant items to their rightful owners and reinforces the need for transparency and accountability in the art and antiquities market.

The statue’s return to India is a poignant reminder of the enduring connection between cultural artifacts and their places of origin. 

It serves as a testament to the rich history and heritage of Tamil Nadu and underscores the importance of preserving and respecting cultural legacies.