Renewed demands for the repatriation of Indian jewels and historical artifacts looted during colonial rule have sparked a growing international conversation. Sathnam Sanghera, a prominent writer on the British Empire, asserts that the return of these items is inevitable as former colonies reassess their shared history under empire.
India, in particular, is leading the charge for the repatriation of its cultural treasures. The country has already taken steps to reshape its historical legacies from the colonial era, with increasing calls for slavery reparations during the Prince and Princess of Wales’ royal tour of the Caribbean in 2022. According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and diplomats are preparing to launch a campaign to reclaim items held in British museums and by the royal family later this year. The list of sought-after artifacts includes the contentious Koh-i-noor diamond, treasures of Tipu Sultan, and the Amaravati Marbles.
Sanghera emphasizes that these demands are not merely about the financial value of the looted items but also their emotional and religious significance. The museums and the royal family possess billions of pounds worth of Indian loot, which was systematically acquired during colonial rule. When parts of India and Burma were annexed, representatives from British museums were present to seize items, while soldiers also took and sold loot. Sanghera highlights that emerging and established global powers, such as India, are unlikely to remain silent on the issue.
India’s push for repatriation is part of a broader reevaluation of its colonial past. Prime Minister Modi has encouraged the teaching of school classes in local languages rather than English, the reconstruction of India’s parliament building, and the renaming of roads previously named after British monarchs.
According to the Telegraph, the repatriation of antiquities is a significant priority for the Indian government, reflecting the personal commitment of Prime Minister Modi. However, repatriation efforts face legal constraints as museums are obliged to keep their collections intact. Charities like the National Trust, which are not subject to the same legal restrictions, may be approached first.
Sanghera believes that a shift in public opinion, particularly among younger generations, will play a decisive role in the repatriation of looted artifacts. He compares the growing sentiment against the display of looted items in museums to the attitudes towards animals in zoos. Sanghera suggests that within the next decade, the conversation surrounding repatriation will significantly transform. While acknowledging challenges, such as conflicting claims to ownership and potential anger from affected communities, he maintains that the issue of decolonization and the return of cultural treasures will persist.
The calls for the repatriation of Indian artifacts from British museums highlight the ongoing global dialogue on the restitution of cultural heritage and the reevaluation of colonial legacies. The outcome of these discussions will shape the future of cultural exchange and foster a deeper understanding of the shared history between nations.