Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently participated in a ceremony in the Netherlands marking the return of a significant collection of 11th-century Chola dynasty copper plates to India. Modi described the event as "a joyous moment for every Indian," highlighting the emotional and civilisational importance of the artefacts to the nation's heritage.
These ancient records, officially known as the Anaimangalam Copper Plates in India and referred to as the Leiden Plates in the Netherlands, had been held in Dutch custody since the 19th century. India's efforts to secure their return began in 2012, culminating in this successful repatriation.
The Significance of the Chola Copper Plates
The collection comprises 21 large and three smaller copper plates, intricately inscribed primarily in Tamil, with certain sections in Sanskrit. These inscriptions are pivotal historical documents, detailing the reign of Emperor Rajendra Chola I. They formalise a grant initially made verbally by his father, Rajaraja Chola I, to preserve it permanently.
Considered among the most important surviving records of the powerful Chola dynasty, these plates are vital for understanding Tamil heritage. They specifically document the gifting of the Anaimangalam village to the Chulamanivarma Buddhist vihara in Nagapattinam, an area in present-day Tamil Nadu.
Journey to the Netherlands and Repatriation Efforts
Weighing approximately 30 kilograms, the plates are bound together by a bronze ring bearing the royal seal of the Chola dynasty. Their journey to the Netherlands began in the 1700s when Florentius Camper, a Christian missionary, took them during a period of Dutch control over Nagapattinam. They were subsequently preserved at Leiden University, which Prime Minister Modi acknowledged and thanked during the restitution ceremony.
The restitution process gained momentum after the 24th session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Return and Restitution recognised India's claim as the country of origin. This recognition paved the way for bilateral discussions that ultimately led to the successful return of these invaluable historical treasures.