Jaipur: Stolen artefacts dating between the 2nd and 12th centuries lying in the open and closed courtyards of a Jaipur police station for the past 20 years will finally be shifted to museums across the state. The Rajasthan police granted permission to the department of Archaeology and Museums (DAM) to acquire around 700 artefacts recovered from an organised smuggling gang between 1998–2003.The DAM officials stated that the shifting of artefacts to state museum in Jaipur and other places is a part of their proposed first 100-day agenda of the government. These artefacts have been lying at Vidhyadhar Nagar police station, the permission to shift which was granted last week.
“It is big news for the archaeology community in the country. Probably, for the first time, over 700 stolen artefacts are being returned to an institutional body. It will unfold 1,000 years of the history of the state from the 2nd to the 12th centuries. The department is excited to welcome the treasure at our museums,” said Mahendra Khadgawat, secretary of DAM.
The artefacts had been stolen from temples, monasteries, and forts in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. They date to Mauryan, Kushan, Gupta, and Rajput eras. The tallest artefact is a six-foot-old Buddha statue, and the smallest is a few inches in height.
In 2014, the Rajasthan High Court asked the state government to acquire it from the police following due process. “Our teams have inspected them at regular intervals to assess their condition. Once the artefacts are acquired, they will be released in phases. Many of them are in bad condition and need to be kept in places or chambers with regulated temperatures, exposure to sunlight, and ventilation to preserve them for future generations,” said Khadgawat.
The DAM claimed that six idols of Lord Ganesha smuggled to the US were found in a procession of the Antiquities Trafficking Unit, New York, in 2020. The idol will be brought to Udaipur in the coming months. “In our letter to the authorities at the Ministry of External Affairs and the US, we claimed six idols with evidence. They have sent one, and for the remaining five, the process is on,” said the secretary. tnn
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“It is big news for the archaeology community in the country. Probably, for the first time, over 700 stolen artefacts are being returned to an institutional body. It will unfold 1,000 years of the history of the state from the 2nd to the 12th centuries. The department is excited to welcome the treasure at our museums,” said Mahendra Khadgawat, secretary of DAM.
The artefacts had been stolen from temples, monasteries, and forts in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. They date to Mauryan, Kushan, Gupta, and Rajput eras. The tallest artefact is a six-foot-old Buddha statue, and the smallest is a few inches in height.
In 2014, the Rajasthan High Court asked the state government to acquire it from the police following due process. “Our teams have inspected them at regular intervals to assess their condition. Once the artefacts are acquired, they will be released in phases. Many of them are in bad condition and need to be kept in places or chambers with regulated temperatures, exposure to sunlight, and ventilation to preserve them for future generations,” said Khadgawat.
The DAM claimed that six idols of Lord Ganesha smuggled to the US were found in a procession of the Antiquities Trafficking Unit, New York, in 2020. The idol will be brought to Udaipur in the coming months. “In our letter to the authorities at the Ministry of External Affairs and the US, we claimed six idols with evidence. They have sent one, and for the remaining five, the process is on,” said the secretary. tnn
We also published the following articles recently
Two idols stolen in Arumbakkam temple, replaced with fake ones
On the eve of Vaikunta Ekadasi festival, the theft of two ancient idols inside the 750-year-old Sathya Varadaraja Perumal Temple at Arumbakkam has come to light. Thieves are suspected to have stolen the original idol of Shriman Nathamuni and Anjaneyar, and replaced it with similar-looking idols. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials examined the idols at the temple and confirmed that they were not original bronze idols. The Arumbakkam police have registered a case and are waiting for the ASI report. Devotees are worried about the incident as the sacred Paramapatha Vasal is scheduled to be opened on Vaikunta Ekadasi day.
On the eve of Vaikunta Ekadasi festival, the theft of two ancient idols inside the 750-year-old Sathya Varadaraja Perumal Temple at Arumbakkam has come to light. Thieves are suspected to have stolen the original idol of Shriman Nathamuni and Anjaneyar, and replaced it with similar-looking idols. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials examined the idols at the temple and confirmed that they were not original bronze idols. The Arumbakkam police have registered a case and are waiting for the ASI report. Devotees are worried about the incident as the sacred Paramapatha Vasal is scheduled to be opened on Vaikunta Ekadasi day.
SSP Malerkotla acts tough, suspends two officers, shifts them to Police Lines
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh suspended Sub-Inspector Sukhchain Singh for irregularities in investigative procedures and negligence in his duties. He also suspended Steno Typist Ram Gopal based on complaints from police constables alleging that he was disturbing police personnel and demanding favors. SSP Khakh emphasized the importance of upholding professional discipline and integrity, stating that laxity would result in strict action. He highlighted the glorious history of valour and sacrifice in the Punjab Police and stressed that such behavior would not be tolerated.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh suspended Sub-Inspector Sukhchain Singh for irregularities in investigative procedures and negligence in his duties. He also suspended Steno Typist Ram Gopal based on complaints from police constables alleging that he was disturbing police personnel and demanding favors. SSP Khakh emphasized the importance of upholding professional discipline and integrity, stating that laxity would result in strict action. He highlighted the glorious history of valour and sacrifice in the Punjab Police and stressed that such behavior would not be tolerated.
Need for CBI police stns in state: Justice Gangopadhyay
Justice Gangopadhyay observed the need for CBI police stations in the state due to fresh corruption allegations and non-cooperation from the state government. He stated that people are approaching the court because their complaints are not being registered at police stations. Justice Gangopadhyay emphasized the necessity of three to four CBI police stations in the state. He had previously directed the state chief secretary to provide support to the CBI for conducting investigations, including manpower, accommodation, and transport.
Justice Gangopadhyay observed the need for CBI police stations in the state due to fresh corruption allegations and non-cooperation from the state government. He stated that people are approaching the court because their complaints are not being registered at police stations. Justice Gangopadhyay emphasized the necessity of three to four CBI police stations in the state. He had previously directed the state chief secretary to provide support to the CBI for conducting investigations, including manpower, accommodation, and transport.