Oxford University to Return 500-Year-Old Hindu Saint Sculpture to India

The Ashmolean Museum will repatriate the bronze statue of Tirumankai Alvar following a claim by the Indian High Commission.

• The 60cm-tall bronze statue of Tirumankai Alvar has been displayed at the Ashmolean Museum.
• Believed to have been looted from an Indian temple, the sculpture will be returned pending Charity Commission approval.
• This decision aligns with previous repatriations, including the potential return of Benin Bronzes to Nigeria.
• The Koh-i-Noor diamond, another contested artifact, remains part of the British crown jewels.
• India, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have all laid claim to the Koh-i-Noor since 1947.

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