In a significant achievement for India’s cultural heritage, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has deciphered a bronze image of Jain Tirthankara Neminath that was recently repatriated from the United States. The intricate artifact, dating back to January 29, 1449 CE, holds an inscription in Sanskrit and Nagari script, marking an era of devotion and cultural artistry.
The bronze image, bearing an inscription from Samvat 1505, reveals that it was donated by Kalhaka, the son of Keshna, a merchant of the Srimala Jnati community. Dedicated in reverence for his parents, this image was sanctified under the guidance of Sri Udayaskasuri, a respected pontiff and disciple of Bhattaraka, along with Sri Somachandrasuri from the Puppala gachha lineage. Though the inscription sheds light on its history, the original location of the image remains a mystery.
This monumental repatriation follows a bilateral Cultural Property Agreement signed in July 2024 between the United States and India. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the U.S., the agreement facilitated the return of 297 valuable artifacts, many of which had been trafficked out of India over the years. These antiquities span a timeline of nearly 4,000 years, ranging from 2000 BCE to 1999 CE. The collection comprises terracotta artifacts from Eastern India, as well as items crafted from stone, metal, wood, and ivory.
The Indian government is further engaged in efforts to retrieve 66 Chola-period copper plates currently held at Leiden University in the Netherlands. These plates contain a royal decree by Rajaraja Chola I, documenting the upkeep of a Buddhist Vihara at Nagapattinam, a gesture that reflects the historical inter-regional ties between India and the Malay region.
This restoration of cultural treasures marks a vital step in preserving India’s artistic legacy and upholding the shared history that transcends borders and generations.
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