A 16th century bronze idol of Saint Thirumankai Alvar has been returned to India by the Ashmolean Museum, marking a significant step in the repatriation of cultural heritage.
The idol is set to be taken back to its original home at the Shri Soundararaja Perumal Temple, where it was once worshipped.
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The bronze sculpture had been acquired by the Ashmolean Museum through a Sotheby’s auction in 1967. After decades in the United Kingdom, the artefact has now been handed over to Indian authorities to facilitate its return to the temple.
The repatriation process concluded with a formal handover ceremony held at India House on Wednesday evening.
The return of the idol is being seen as part of broader efforts to restore important cultural and religious artefacts to their places of origin in India. Once transported back to Tamil Nadu, the idol will be reinstated at the temple where it historically belonged.
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