A civil society group based in Chhattisgarh has formally demanded the return of rare artefacts from the Sanchi heritage site, currently held in the United Kingdom. The group has described the continued possession of these items as a symbol of colonial plunder. In a letter addressed to King Charles III, the organisation has called for the repatriation of the iconic Sanchi Yakshi, dating from the 1st century BCE to the 1st century CE, along with other relics spanning 800 to 1,000 years. Some antiquities are claimed to be over 4,000 years old.
Demands for Repatriation
The letter, sent through registered post and diplomatic channels, was led by convenor Dr. Kuldeep Solanki. It accuses Britain of preserving what it calls India's stolen identity in museums and collections built during colonial rule. The group has warned of legal action in international forums if the artefacts are not returned within stipulated timelines.
Key Artefacts Sought
Among the key demands is the return of the Sanchi Yakshi, Shivaji Maharaj's Wagh Nakh (tiger claws), the Jagdamba sword, and historical oil paintings linked to the Maratha ruler by June 6, 2026. The letter further seeks the repatriation of the Koh-i-Noor diamond and 211 rare Indian artefacts by August 15, 2026.
The organisation has highlighted that artefacts from Sanchi, part of undivided Madhya Pradesh and among India's most important Buddhist heritage sites, are now housed abroad. Dr. Solanki stated that these sculptures represent not merely archaeological remains but symbols of India's civilisational continuity and Buddhist heritage.
Additional Items Listed
The list of sought items also includes the Amaravati marbles, Ashokan edicts, the Bimaran casket, Chola bronze sculptures, Mughal and Rajput miniatures, Jain Tirthankara sculptures, and ancient coins and jewellery from the Indus Valley to Mughal periods.
Allegations and Legal Threats
In the letter addressed to Buckingham Palace, the organisation alleged that many artefacts were removed through deceit and force during British rule. The memorandum states that the era of loot has ended and that retaining such treasures in foreign museums amounts to an insult to India's faith, identity, and ancestors.
The group has threatened to move the International Court of Justice (ICJ) seeking restitution and compensation equivalent to revenues allegedly earned through the exhibition of these artefacts over decades. The letter mentions a claim of over 5 trillion dollars towards historical indemnity, citing human losses, territory losses, and loss to Indian civilisation.
The communication has also been marked to the British High Commission in New Delhi and the Prime Minister's Office in India.
