Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that 11th Century Chola Copper Plates preserved in the Netherlands will soon be repatriated to India.
Calling it a “joyous moment for every Indian,” PM Modi said the historic artefacts would return to India from the Netherlands following discussions held in the presence of Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
“A joyous moment for every Indian, Chola Copper Plates dating back to the 11th Century will be repatriated to India from the Netherlands,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
The Chola Copper Plates consist of 21 large plates and three smaller plates containing inscriptions largely written in Tamil.
According to PM Modi, the plates relate to Rajendra Chola I formalising an oral commitment made by his father Rajaraja I and reflect the legacy and maritime strength of the Chola dynasty.
“The Chola Copper Plates showcase the greatness of the Cholas. We in India are immensely proud of the Cholas, their culture and their maritime prowess,” he said.
The Prime Minister thanked the Netherlands government and Leiden University, where the copper plates had been preserved since the mid-19th century.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi met Willem-Alexander and Máxima at the Royal Palace Huis ten Bosch in The Hague.
Following the meeting, the Prime Minister said both sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in areas such as technology, innovation, sustainable growth, commerce and water management.
“India and the Netherlands are connected by shared interests and a shared belief in building a future-ready planet,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister’s visit to the Netherlands is focused on deepening bilateral relations and advancing a strategic partnership between the two countries.
This marks PM Modi’s second visit to the Netherlands and comes at a time of expanding cooperation between India and the European nation across trade, technology, clean energy and cultural engagement.
