Chennai,May 18:
In a significant cultural and diplomatic gesture, the Netherlands on Saturday returned the 11th-century Chola dynasty copper plates to India, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move marks a notable step in strengthening bilateral ties and cultural cooperation between the two nations.
Modi arrived in the Netherlands on Friday as part of the second leg of his five-nation tour, following a brief stopover in the United Arab Emirates. His broader itinerary includes visits to Sweden, Norway, and Italy.
The artefacts, known as the Anaimangalam Copper Plates and referred to in the Netherlands as the Leiden Plates, are among the most important surviving records of the Chola dynasty and hold immense historical and cultural value, particularly for Tamil heritage. India has been actively pursuing their return since 2012. Comprising 21 copper plates weighing around 30 kilograms, they are bound by a bronze ring bearing the royal seal.
These plates date back to the reign of Rajaraja Chola I and contain inscriptions in both Sanskrit and Tamil. While the original grant was issued verbally by Rajaraja Chola I and initially recorded on palm leaves, it was his son Rajendra Chola I who had the contents engraved on copper plates for preservation. The bronze seal binding the plates carries his insignia.
Historically, the plates were taken to the Netherlands in the 18th century by Florentius Camper, who had come to India as part of a Christian mission during a period when Nagapattinam was under Dutch control.
India’s claim over the artefacts was validated during the 24th session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Return and Restitution, which encouraged constructive dialogue between the two countries. Following these discussions, the Netherlands agreed to return the plates, culminating in their formal handover during Modi’s visit—an act that underscores growing mutual respect for cultural heritage and international cooperation.