Why in the News?
Authorities in the United States have returned 657 trafficked antiquities worth about 14 million dollars to India. The artefacts were recovered from international smuggling networks linked to traffickers like Subash Kapoor and Nancy Wiener.
Key Facts
- Total artefacts returned: 657
- Total value: 14 million dollars
- Returned in three phases:
- 612 artefacts in November 2024
- 26 artefacts in July 2025
- 19 artefacts in 2026
- Major recovery led by investigative agencies in New York
Important Artefacts Returned
Buddha Sculpture
- Material: Red sandstone
- Value: 7.5 million dollars
- Depicts Abhaya Mudra (gesture of protection)
Avalokiteshvara Bronze
- Value: 2 million dollars
- Origin: Sirpur
- Associated with Lakshmana Temple region
Dancing Ganesha Sculpture
- Origin: Temple in Madhya Pradesh
- Smuggled through international art networks
| [2012] Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolizes: (a) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation. (b) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara. (c) Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitory. (d) Both (a) and (b) |
