Calls for Repatriation of Ancient Indian Copper Plate Charters from Scottish University
Calls for Scottish university to return 'invaluable' cultural treasure to India

Image: The Scotsman
Authorities in New Delhi are advocating for the return of seven ancient copper plate charters from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. These artefacts, dating from the 5th to the 15th century, provide crucial insights into Indian society, culture, and economics. The Archaeological Survey of India is preparing a dossier to support their repatriation.
- 01The copper plate charters are viewed as invaluable cultural treasures, shedding light on Indian history from the 5th century onwards.
- 02The charters include significant inscriptions from rulers like Simhavarman II and Dadda II Prasantaraga.
- 03Sir Walter Elliot, a Scottish orientalist, collected the plates during his time in colonial India.
- 04The Archaeological Survey of India is compiling a dossier to facilitate the return of the artefacts.
- 05Leiden University recently returned copper plates to India, highlighting a growing trend in repatriation efforts.
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New Delhi is urging the University of Edinburgh in Scotland to return seven ancient copper plate charters that are crucial to understanding Indian history and culture. These artefacts, which date from 444 to 1508 AD, provide insights into land tenure, taxation, and societal norms during India's classical and medieval periods. Collected by Sir Walter Elliot, a Scottish orientalist, the charters have been housed in the university's library for nearly 80 years. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is preparing a detailed dossier to support their repatriation, which will be submitted to the university. Muniratnam Reddy, the ASI's director of epigraphy, emphasized the charters' importance, stating they are an
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The return of these artefacts would enhance the cultural heritage of India and provide valuable historical insights.
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