Why in News?
Repatriation of Indian bronzes from The National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA), Smithsonian Institution (USA) marks a milestone in cultural restitution, involving Chola-era idols and enforcement under heritage laws.
Description:
1. The Repatriated Sculptures:
| Sculpture | Period | Cultural Context | Significance |
| Shiva Nataraja | Chola (~10th century CE) | Tamil Shaiva temple tradition | Iconic representation of Cosmic Dance (Ananda Tandava) |
| Somaskanda | Chola (c. 12th century CE) | South Indian temple iconography | Depicts Shiva, Uma, and Skanda (Murugan) |
| Saint Sundarar with Paravai | Vijayanagar (c. 16th century CE) | Tamil Bhakti tradition | Linked to Shaiva saint tradition (Nayanars) |
2. Art & Iconography Essentials:
Lost-Wax Technique (Cire Perdue):
- Clay core → wax model → clay mould → wax melted → molten bronze poured.
- Allows high detailing and fluidity of form.
Bhakti Context: Saint Sundarar – One of the 63 Nayanars of Tamil Shaiva Bhakti movement.
3. Legal & Institutional Framework:
Domestic Law:
- Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972: Regulates export of antiquities. Unauthorized export is illegal.
- ASI authenticates recovered artefacts.
International Framework:
- 1970 UNESCO Convention on illicit import/export of cultural property.
- Increasing use of Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) in recovery cases.
Enforcement Agency:
- Tamil Nadu Idol Wing-CID plays a major role in temple theft investigations.
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