Current Affairs - Art and Culture - Discussion

Australia announced the return of three stolen 11th and 12th-century antiquities to India, marking an important step in preserving India's cultural heritage. The artefacts include a ceremonial Bronze Trident of Goddess Bhadrakali, a Granite Nandi idol, and a Basalt sculpture of the six-headed Karthikeya (Shanmukha). These objects originated from historic temples built during the reign of Rajendra Chola I under the Chola dynasty and had been illegally trafficked before being housed in the National Gallery of Australia. Their repatriation reflects international cooperation in combating the illegal trade of cultural property and protecting historical artefacts.