Push to Return Chola-era Copper Plates to Tamil Nadu Gains Traction
Demand to bring Anaimangalam Chola-era copper plates to Tamil Nadu gathers momentum

Image: The Hindu
There is a growing demand to return the Anaimangalam Chola-era copper plates from Leiden University in the Netherlands to Tamil Nadu, India. Politicians argue these historical artifacts should be displayed publicly in Tamil Nadu, emphasizing their cultural significance and the need for preservation.
- 01The Anaimangalam copper plates, dating back to the Chola dynasty, contain a decree from Raja Raja Chola I.
- 02Su. Venkatesan highlighted that 654 antiques have been returned to India but not displayed, urging for the same not to happen with the copper plates.
- 03MDMK general secretary Vaiko supports the idea of displaying the plates at the Nagapattinam museum.
- 04R. Komagan proposed that the plates be exhibited at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a historical capital of the Chola Dynasty.
- 05The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has faced criticism for failing to trace other important Chola artifacts like the Anbil plates.
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The campaign to return the Anaimangalam Chola-era copper plates, currently held by Leiden University in the Netherlands, is gaining momentum in Tamil Nadu. These copper plates, which date back to the reign of Rajendra Chola I, contain a significant decree from his father, Raja Raja Chola I, granting land for a Buddhist monastery in Nagapattinam. Politicians, including Su. Venkatesan from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), have emphasized the importance of these artifacts being publicly displayed rather than hidden away, as has happened with other returned antiques. Venkatesan pointed out that while 654 antiques have been brought back to India, they are not accessible to the public. He urged that the Anaimangalam plates be handed over to the Archaeology Department of Tamil Nadu. Other leaders, such as MDMK general secretary Vaiko, have echoed this sentiment, suggesting the plates be housed at the Nagapattinam museum. R. Komagan, chairman of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Development Council, proposed that they be exhibited in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a historical capital of the Chola Dynasty, ensuring their preservation and public accessibility.
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The return and display of the Anaimangalam copper plates would enhance cultural heritage awareness and tourism in Tamil Nadu.
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