Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a significant update on social media, calling it a “joyous moment for every Indian” as the historic 11th-century Chola Copper Plates are set to be repatriated to India from the Netherlands.
PM Modi participated in the ceremonial event in the presence of Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, highlighting another important milestone in preserving and restoring India’s rich cultural heritage.
Sharing details about the historic artifacts, the Prime Minister stated that the Chola Copper Plates comprise 21 large copper plates and 3 smaller plates, with inscriptions primarily written in Tamil, one of the world’s oldest and most revered classical languages.
The plates are associated with the reign of Rajendra Chola I, documenting his formalization of an oral commitment made by his father, the legendary King Rajaraja I. These inscriptions also reflect the grandeur and achievements of the Chola dynasty, one of India’s most influential empires known for its governance, architecture, culture, and remarkable maritime strength.
PM Modi emphasized India’s deep pride in the Chola civilization and its lasting contributions to Indian history and culture.
The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the Government of the Netherlands and Leiden University, where the Copper Plates had been preserved since the mid-19th century, for their role in facilitating the return of these invaluable historical treasures.
The repatriation of the Chola Copper Plates represents another important step in India’s ongoing efforts to recover and preserve its priceless cultural heritage for future generations.
