Nla, National library in Parkes, Australia

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 Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's visit to India next year."The return of these artefacts is the right thing to do. This is another demonstration of a deep relationship between Australia and India," Morrison said."Like India, we understand the value of our ancient cultures and artefacts," Morrison added.The artefacts, which were held by the National Gallery of Australia, were purchased in good faith, but extensive research undertaken by the Gallery has led to its decision to voluntarily return these artefacts to India.Both India and Australia are parties to the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transport of Ownership of Cultural Property.Criminal law proceedings are currently underway in India and the United States against former New York art dealer Subhash Kapoor, from whom these artefacts were purchased. The Australian Government does not have any role in these proceedings.The return of these artefacts also underscores the world's debt to India's magnificent culture, history and legacy, said Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne."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," 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 Arts Paul Fletcher said.( With inputs from ANI )

NlaFOLLOW

Nla, Latest News

Australia all-rounder Dan Christian will return to Nottinghamshire County Club in season 2020 as captain for his sixth season as an overseas player. ...

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is working overtime to ensure that on-field umpires have the help of technology when it comes to calling front foot no-balls in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League. While the operation was st ...

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 ...