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

Oxford University’s Ashmolean Museum has decided to return a 16th-century bronze sculpture of Saint Tirumankai Alvar to India, following a formal request from the Indian government. The 60cm-tall statue, believed to have been stolen from a temple in Tamil Nadu, was acquired by the museum in 1967 from Sotheby’s auction house. The decision comes after an independent researcher alerted the museum to the statue’s origins, prompting the museum to notify the Indian High Commission.

Acquisition and Alert

The Ashmolean Museum acquired the statue in 1967 from the collection of Dr J.R. Belmont, stating that it was obtained in “good faith.” However, an independent researcher raised concerns about its origins, leading to the museum’s investigation and subsequent alert to the Indian High Commission.

Formal Request and Decision

Upon receiving a formal request from the Indian government, Oxford University’s Council supported the return of the bronze idol to India. The decision is now awaiting approval from the Charity Commission.

Previous Instances of Restored Artefacts

This decision follows a trend of returning stolen Indian artefacts from the UK to India. Recent instances include the restoration of a limestone carved relief sculpture and a “Navaneetha Krishna” bronze sculpture, both originating from Indian states, through joint US-UK investigations involving Scotland Yard’s Art and Antiques Unit.