A total of 588 antiquities have been successfully repatriated to India from the United States so far, with 297 of them being received in the year 2024 alone. This information was provided by Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written response to a query during a session in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
The minister was asked to provide details regarding the number of “looted or stolen artifacts” that are expected to be returned to India under the framework of the US-India Cultural Property Agreement (CPA), which was established to curb the illicit trade of antiquities between the two nations.
In response, Shekhawat stated, “The Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) has been signed with the United States of America (USA) to prevent the smuggling of Indian antiquities. This agreement is preventive in nature and does not operate with fixed timelines or target numbers. However, as a result of this collaboration, a total of 588 antiquities have been repatriated from the USA to India so far, with 297 of these artifacts being successfully brought back in the year 2024.”
Further, the Union minister was also asked whether the government is planning to engage with international organizations or other nations to enhance India’s efforts in recovering stolen antiquities and cultural artifacts.
Shekhawat responded by affirming that India actively collaborates with multiple international organizations, including UNESCO and INTERPOL, as and when required. He further elaborated, “The CPA also includes provisions for fostering cooperation and mutual understanding between India and the United States, particularly in areas such as technical assistance, prevention of illicit trade, and measures to curb the pillaging of cultural property.”
In another query raised in the Rajya Sabha, the minister was asked whether the government had observed any resurgence of ancient sects, particularly in relation to large-scale religious events such as the Kumbh Mela.
Explaining the cultural significance of the Kumbh Mela, Shekhawat noted that this festival is one of the largest and most significant Hindu pilgrimage gatherings in the world. Millions of devotees from across India and beyond converge at designated holy sites to take ritualistic dips in sacred rivers. The event serves as a melting pot for religious sects, spiritual organizations, and revered leaders who gather to perform and showcase age-old rituals, customs, and spiritual traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Shekhawat acknowledged that the resurgence of ancient sects in India is being driven by a combination of factors, including an increasing interest in the country’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, as well as a quest for deeper meaning in life amid the modern challenges posed to religious traditions. “This revival can be attributed to a growing awareness among people, who are increasingly seeking to reconnect with their historical and philosophical roots,” he remarked.
The minister also highlighted the role of digital platforms in this phenomenon. “Social media and the rise of religious tourism have played an instrumental role in spreading awareness about these sects. These platforms have enabled the younger generation, as well as people across the world, to gain knowledge about India’s ancient spiritual traditions, thus contributing to their revival,” he stated.
Emphasizing the significance of this resurgence, Shekhawat noted that it holds great cultural and societal importance in contemporary times. “The renewed interest in ancient sects serves multiple purposes. It aids in the preservation of India’s traditional religious practices, provides an alternative perspective to the materialistic outlook prevalent in modern society, fosters social cohesion among different communities, and strengthens national pride by reinforcing the deep-rooted cultural legacy of India,” he added.
The government, he indicated, remains committed to supporting initiatives that help preserve and promote India’s vast and diverse spiritual heritage, ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from the wisdom and traditions of the past.
