Amsterdam/The Hague | May 16,2026 | SKY LINK TIMES
11th Century Chola Copper Plate Returning to India:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that the historic Chola Copper Plates dating back to the 11th Century will soon be repatriated to India from the Netherlands. The announcement was made during his official visit to the European nation aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding strategic cooperation between the two countries.
The return of the ancient artefacts is being seen as a significant moment for India’s cultural heritage and civilisational history. The copper plates had been preserved at Leiden University in the Netherlands since the mid-19th century.
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PM Modi Calls It a “Joyous Moment”
Sharing the development on X, Prime Minister Modi described the repatriation as a proud and emotional moment for every Indian.
“A joyous moment for every Indian, Chola Copper Plates dating back to the 11th Century will be repatriated to India from the Netherlands,” PM Modi wrote.
The Prime Minister also attended the ceremonial handover in the presence of Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
According to PM Modi, the collection includes 21 large copper plates and three smaller plates, containing inscriptions primarily in Tamil. The texts are associated with the reign of the great Chola ruler Rajendra Chola I and formalise an oral commitment made earlier by his father, King Rajaraja I.
Significance of the Chola Copper Plates
The Chola Copper Plates are considered historically invaluable as they provide deep insights into the administration, culture, governance, and maritime achievements of the Chola Empire — one of South India’s most powerful dynasties.
PM Modi praised the Chola civilisation for its contribution to Indian culture and global maritime trade.
“We in India are immensely proud of the Cholas, their culture and their maritime prowess,” he stated.
Historians believe the inscriptions highlight the sophisticated governance systems and cultural richness of the Chola period, which flourished between the 9th and 13th centuries.
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India Thanks Netherlands and Leiden University
Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to the Dutch government and Leiden University for preserving the artefacts for decades and facilitating their return to India.
The repatriation is also being viewed as part of India’s broader effort to recover historically significant artefacts and cultural treasures from abroad.
In recent years, India has successfully brought back several ancient idols, sculptures, and manuscripts from countries including the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Strengthening India-Netherlands Relations
Earlier during his visit, PM Modi met King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima at the Royal Palace Huis ten Bosch in The Hague. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in technology, innovation, commerce, water management, and sustainable development.
“India and the Netherlands are connected by shared interests and a shared belief in building a future-ready planet,” PM Modi said after the meeting.
The Prime Minister’s ongoing visit marks his second trip to the Netherlands and comes at an important phase in India-Netherlands relations, with both nations moving towards deeper strategic collaboration.
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