Federation university, Public university in Ballarat, Australia

"The artefacts, which were held by the National Gallery of Australia (Gallery), were purchased in good faith, but extensive research undertaken by the Gallery has led to its decision to voluntarily return these artefacts to India," the Australian Prime Minister's office said in a statement.The artefacts being returned are a pair of door guard (dvarapala) 15th Century, Tamil Nadu, India - (two works); and the serpent king (Nagaraja) 6th to 8th Century, Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh, India."Like India, we understand the value of our ancient cultures and artefacts," the Australian PM said."The return of these artefacts is the right thing to do. This is another demonstration of deep relationship between Australia and India."Both India and Australia are party to the UNESCO 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transport of Ownership of Cultural Property."The strong ties Australian and Indian institutions have made in recent years have helped develop important professional relationships and share culture. The return of these artefacts also underscores the world's debt to India's magnificent culture, history and legacy," the Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne said."Historic artefacts play a significant role in modern society by allowing communities to acknowledge and celebrate their shared history and culture. The National Gallery of Australia recognises this, and is strongly committed to the ethical collecting of cultural material and best practice collection management. I commend the Gallery for resolving these legacy issues," the Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher MP said.Criminal law proceedings are currently underway in India and the United States against former New York art dealer Mr Subhash Kapoor, from whom these artefacts were purchased. The Australian Government does not have any role in these proceedings.( With inputs from IANS )

Federation UniversityFOLLOW

Federation university, Latest News

Before the start of the first day of the ongoing day-night match against Australia, Pakistan pacer Musa Khan was handed his maiden Test cap by former great Wasim Akram on Friday here at the Adelaide Oval. ...

The Indian junior women's hockey team on Thursday departed from here to take part in the three-nation tournament in Canberra, Australia. ...

Australia skipper Tim Paine recently pushed the idea that India after hosting Bangladesh in their maiden Day-Night Test should now look to play one against the Aussies when Virat Kohli and boys travel Down Under. And former India opener Gautam Gambhi ...

After being appointed as a selector for the Australian men's cricket team, George Bailey said that his new role is 'all about just being honest'. ...

Australia's most-capped woman cricketer Alex Blackwell will retire from the game after the conclusion of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL). ...

A pair of 'dwarapala' or door guardians from 15th century Tamil Nadu and a 6th century sculpture of serpent king 'Nagaraja' with origins in either Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh are among the three artefacts, which will be returned to India during Austr ...

Australia's limited-overs captain Aaron Finch feels that George Bailey, who is set to join the National Selection Panel (NSP), is apt for the position, saying that he has not heard anyone doubting the decision. ...

Australia will return three culturally significant artefacts to India during Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrisons visit to the Asian nation in January 2020, the Australian government said on Wednesday. ...