An independent provenance review by former High Court Justice Susan Crennan AC found that the ownership history of the granite Nandi idol did not establish lawful export from India.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Australia will repatriate three ancient artefacts stolen from temples in Tamil Nadu, including a Chola-era bronze trident, a granite Nandi idol and a Karthikeya sculpture, in a move announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the country.The Union Ministry of Culture said in a press statement, “In a profound testament to the civilisational resonance anchoring modern diplomacy, Australia is set to repatriate three culturally significant ancient antiquities to India. These artefacts include a ceremonial bronze trident of Goddess Bhadrakali, a majestic granite idol of Nandi, and a basalt sculpture depicting the six-headed Karthikeya.”All these items date back to the 11th and 12th centuries and were originally sourced from temples in Tamil Nadu. The official announcement of the repatriation coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s visit to Australia, further emphasising the strong cultural alignment between the two nations, the Ministry said.
The Bhadrakali Trident was acquired from Temple Gallery, New York, with a provenance tracing ownership only to Dr. P.S. Rao, Chennai, before entering the gallery in 1993.
