Australia Repatriates Three Antiquities to Tamil Nadu

Australia returned three stolen antiquities to India on 9-10 July 2026. The artefacts include an 11th-century Chola-era bronze trident of Goddess Bhadrakali, an 11th-12th century granite Nandi idol from Sri Kasiviswanathaswamy Temple in Kollumangudi, and a 12th-century basalt Karthikeya sculpture from Naganatha Swamy Temple in Thanjavur. The repatriation occurred under the India-Australia Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty after investigation by Tamil Nadu’s Idol Wing CID. A provenance review confirmed illegal removal. India also committed to returning an Australian First Nations ancestor’s remains.