US to return over 100 antiquities stolen from India
Recently, the US government has decided to return more than 100 Indian antiquities stolen from India.
India and the US have signed a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) on criminal matters. The treaty also includes a provision to assist each other in returning antiquities to the countries of origin.
MLAIs are a mechanism whereby countries cooperate with each other to provide and receive formal assistance in dealing with criminal matters. This will ensure that the offender does not escape due process of law. The Union Home Ministry is the nodal ministry for executing the orders of the Court under MLAT.
Some antiquities brought from America; such as the images of Shiva, Parvati, Nataraja and others belong to the Chola-era temples of Tamil Nadu.
The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act (AATA), 1972 makes the export of antiquities without a license from the Archaeological Survey of India a punishable offence. In addition, the Customs Act, 1962 also places restrictions on the export of antiquities.
Nataraja Statues & Idols:
- The bronze Nataraja idol of Shiva in dancing posture is an excellent example of Chola art. Shiva was the presiding deity of the Chola dynasty.
- In this, Shiva is holding a drum in his upper right hand. The sound of Damru symbolizes the creation of the universe.
- He has eternal fire in his upper left hand. This fire symbolizes the destruction of the universe. His lower right hand is in ‘Abhayahasta Mudra’. It symbolizes the removal of fear.
- In this idol, a dwarf-like figure is shown buried under the right leg of Shiva.
- This dwarf-like figure is the symbol of ignorance and delusion, the demon ‘Apsmar’. This demon is the reason for human being to go astray.
- The forward left hand of Shiva indicates his raised left leg. This is the symbol of the path of salvation.
Source – Indian Express
