Kohinoor And Other Quarrels Over Stolen Artefacts

Recovering cultural property from West requires strong laws, preservation of surviving local treasures

- RS Chauhan

Following Elizabeth II’s demise, the demand to return the Kohinoor diamond to India has resurrected itself. India and others have strong reasons for wanting their plundered heritage restored.

Recently, this March, Australia returned 29 artefacts during PM Modi’s visit there. But until and unless both national and international laws are strengthened, returning cultural artefacts to their country of origin will be a struggle.

For a start, the Indian law, Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, which seeks to protect our cultural properties, needs urgent amendment.

Arguments for repatriation

● Artworks or artefacts belong to the cultures whichproduced them and are part of citizens’ identities.

● Restorative justice prescribes that stolen or looted property should be returned to the rightful owner.

● By not returning, colonial ideologies, which perceived colonised people as inherently inferior or primitive, are perpetuated.

● People are deprived of the opportunity to view artwork created by their ancestors as travelling to Europe or the US is beyond their capacity.

The West’s counter

● Many objects were legally acquired. Some, like the Kohinoor diamond, were gifted. Thus, they needn’t be returned to the previous colonies.