In response to reports in British media, sources have denied that India is mobilizing diplomatic resources to bring back the Kohinoor diamond and other artifacts including idols and sculptures from museums in Britain. These sources have stated that Kohinoor was never mentioned by the official quoted in the reports and that there is no truth to the claim that ministerial and diplomatic resources are being mobilized toward securing the return of thousands of artifacts from the UK. The focus, according to these sources, is on the process of retrieval of antiquities through bilateral cooperation and partnership, in a manner consistent with existing international arrangements.
This process of retrieving antiquities has been ongoing for some time, not just with British museums but with many other countries that have Indian artifacts. The Kohinoor diamond was in the news recently during the Coronation, but Queen Camilla chose alternative diamonds for her consort’s crown. The 105-carat diamond was held by rulers in India before ending up with the East India Company from Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s treasury, and then being presented to Queen Victoria following the annexation of Punjab.
While there have been other cultural trends in recent years towards repatriation, such as Greece seeking the Elgin Marbles and Nigeria the Benin Bronzes, it is not accurate to say that India is currently seeking to bring back the Kohinoor and other artifacts from Britain.
However, last year Glasgow Life, a charitable organization that runs the Scottish city’s museums, signed an agreement with the Indian government to repatriate seven stolen artifacts to India. Most of these objects were removed from temples and shrines in different states in northern India during the 19th century, while one was purchased following a theft from the owner. All seven artifacts were gifted to Glasgow’s collections, according to Glasgow Life.
While India has not been mobilizing diplomatic resources to bring back the Kohinoor and other artifacts from Britain, there has been a process of retrieval of antiquities through bilateral cooperation and partnership, which has resulted in the repatriation of some stolen artifacts from Glasgow museums to India.