Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that a rare set of Chola-era copper plates dating back to the 11th century will be repatriated to India from the Netherlands, describing the development as “a joyous moment for every Indian” and a significant step towards reclaiming India’s cultural heritage from overseas collections.
In a post on social media platform X during his ongoing visit to the Netherlands, Modi said he had participated in a ceremonial event marking the return of the historic artefacts in the presence of Dutch Prime Minister .
“A joyous moment for every Indian! Chola Copper Plates dating back to the 11th Century will be repatriated to India from the Netherlands. Took part in the ceremony for the same in the presence of Prime Minister Rob Jetten,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister noted that the Chola Copper Plates comprise 21 large plates and three smaller plates, containing inscriptions primarily in Tamil, which he described as “one of the most beautiful languages of the world”.
According to Modi, the inscriptions relate to the reign of the celebrated Chola emperor and document the formalisation of an oral commitment earlier made by his father, King . He said the plates also reflected the administrative sophistication, maritime strength and cultural achievements of the Chola dynasty, regarded as one of the greatest imperial powers in South Indian history.
“They also showcase the greatness of the Cholas. We in India are immensely proud of the Cholas, their culture and their maritime prowess,” Modi said.
The Chola dynasty, which flourished between the 9th and 13th centuries, established a vast empire extending across large parts of South India and Southeast Asia. The rulers are remembered for their temple architecture, naval expeditions, administrative systems and patronage of Tamil literature and art. Rajaraja I and Rajendra Chola I are widely credited with transforming the Chola kingdom into a powerful maritime empire with extensive trade and cultural links across the Indian Ocean region.
The copper plates had been preserved in the Netherlands since the mid-19th century. Modi expressed gratitude to the Dutch government and the university authorities for facilitating their return to India.
“I thank the Government of the Netherlands and Leiden University in particular, where the Copper Plates were kept since the mid-19th century,” the Prime Minister said.
The repatriation forms part of India’s broader diplomatic and cultural efforts to recover antiquities and historical artefacts taken abroad during colonial times or through illicit trafficking networks. In recent years, India has secured the return of hundreds of artefacts from countries including the United States, Australia, Britain and several European nations.
Officials said the return of the Chola Copper Plates is expected to further strengthen cultural cooperation between India and the Netherlands while highlighting growing international recognition of the need to restore historically significant artefacts to their countries of origin.