Seven Indian artefacts, including 14th century sword to be returned by UK museum

Glasgow: A Glasgow-based museum and the Indian government have signed a historic agreement that will see the return of seven artefacts, including an Indo-Persian sword from the fourteenth century to India. This is a first for the UK museum service.

The ownership change took place on Friday in front of representatives from the Indian High Commission, according to a statement from Glasgow Life Museums.

The Government of India and Archaeological Survey of India representatives were given the chance to see the artefacts at Glasgow Museums Resource Centre, where they are securely kept, after the meeting at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

After the cross-party Working Group for Repatriation and Spoliation's request to return 51 objects to India, Nigeria, and the Cheyenne River and Pine Ridge Lakota Sioux tribes in South Dakota, US, was authorised in April, the transfer of ownership ceremony took place, ANI reported.

"Glasgow Life Museums has been working on the repatriation of the Indian artefacts, alongside the High Commission of India in London, since January 2021. The antiquities include a ceremonial Indo-Persian tulwar (sword) which is believed to date back to the 14th century and an 11th-century carved stone door jamb taken from a Hindu temple in Kanpur," the statement said.

Six of the artefacts were taken from temples and shrines in various Northern Indian states during the 19th century, and the seventh was bought after being stolen from the owner. Glasgow's collections received all seven artefacts as gifts.

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life and Convenor for Culture, Sport and International Relations for Glasgow City Council, said: "The repatriation of these objects is of great historical and cultural importance to both Glasgow and India, so it's a privilege to welcome Indian dignitaries to our city for such a momentous occasion."

Sujit Ghosh, the acting high commissioner for India, expressed his delight at the signing of the deal and stated that the artefacts would now be returned to India because they constitute an essential part of that country's cultural legacy.

"We express our appreciation to all the stakeholders who made this possible, especially Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council," he said.