A parliamentary panel has recommended the establishment of a special Heritage Recovery Task Force to reclaim India’s antiquities taken abroad during colonial rule. The panel suggested that India leverage its growing economic stature and exert pressure on countries like England to return stolen artefacts.
The panel argued that the latest technologies, such as DNA testing and AI should be used to identify stolen artefacts.
The parliamentary standing committee on culture, led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha, noted in its latest report that the Archaeological Survey of India was spearheading cultural recovery efforts, including the Kohinoor and thousands of artefacts removed during British colonial rule. To further strengthen the campaign, the government should consider establishing a specialised “Heritage Recovery Task Force (HRTF).”
The HRTF could comprise diplomats, legal experts, archaeologists, and art historians. Explaining the role of this task force, the panel could be a multi-disciplinary team dedicated to identifying, documenting, and pursuing claims for stolen Indian artefacts worldwide. “The task force could develop comprehensive dossiers on priority items, including detailed provenance research, legal arguments for restitution, and cultural significance documentation to bolster India’s claims,” the report stated.
While the task force would have a specialised role, the panel suggested that India should leverage its growing economic and diplomatic influence to negotiate cultural property agreements with more countries, similar to the recent pact with the United States.
These agreements would help establish systems for identifying looted artefacts and resolving disputes before facilitating their return. “Special attention should be paid to former colonial powers like the United Kingdom, where many significant Indian treasures remain. These agreements could be tied to broader diplomatic and trade relationships, creating incentives for cooperation on repatriation issues.”
The idea of repatriation is not an easy one, as it involves establishing the antiquity and origin of the artworks. The panel recommended that India invest in cutting-edge technological tools for provenance research and authentication. To achieve this, it suggested using advanced imaging techniques, DNA analysis of organic materials, and AI-powered databases to establish the Indian origin of disputed artefacts and track their chain of ownership.
Additionally, India should explore innovative public-private partnerships to support repatriation efforts as it would need broader support and monetary help. The government could establish a “Heritage Repatriation Fund” that accepts contributions from corporations, wealthy individuals, and the Indian diaspora to support legal challenges, negotiate purchases when necessary, and fund the transportation and conservation of returned artefacts.
This approach would expand the resources available for recovery efforts while engaging broader segments of society in the mission, the panel noted.
