Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:24pm on 16 May 2026,Saturday India Global
The Netherlands has formally returned the historic 11th-century Chola-era copper plates to India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit. Known as the “Leiden Plates,” the artefacts are among the most valuable surviving records of the Chola Empire and had remained in Dutch custody for centuries. The collection includes 21 copper plates inscribed in Sanskrit and Tamil, documenting grants made during the reign of Emperor Rajaraja Chola I. India had sought their return since 2012 through diplomatic efforts. PM Modi called the repatriation a “joyous moment for every Indian,” highlighting India’s commitment to reclaiming its cultural heritage abroad. (PC: Instagram)
