New York.The US will return to India three ancient bronze statues that were illegally removed from temples in the country. The Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art in Washington DC said the three sculptures would be returned to the Indian government. After a thorough investigation, the source of these idols was traced and the report stated that these idols were illegally removed from the temples.

A statement issued by the museum said that the Government of India has agreed to give one of the statues on long-term loan. Such an arrangement would allow museums to publicly share the full story of an object’s origin, removal, and return.

These sculptures are ‘Shiva Nataraja’ of the Chola period (circa 990 AD), ‘Somaskanda’ of the Chola period (12th century) and ‘Saint Sundarar with Paravai’ of the Vijayanagara period (16th century). These sculptures “exemplify the rich artistry of South Indian bronze casting”, which were traditionally carried in temple processions.

The ‘Shiva Nataraja’ statue is to be kept on long-term loan, the statement said. The sculpture will be displayed as part of an exhibition titled ‘The Art of Knowledge in South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Himalayan Region’.

The Museum and the Indian Embassy are in close touch to finalize the arrangements under the agreement. This return was made possible through the efforts of the National Museum of Asian Art and the Center for South and Southeast Asian Art. It involved the collaboration of the photo archives of the French Institute in Puducherry and many organizations and individuals from around the world.