Australia to return three antiquities stolen from Tamil Nadu temples - The HinduUpdated - July 10, 2026 03:48 pm IST - CHENNAIAn independent provenance review by former High Court Justice Susan Crennan AC found that the ownership history of the granite Nandi idol did not establish lawful export from India. | Photo Credit: Special ArrangementAustralia will repatriate three ancient artefacts stolen from temples in Tamil Nadu, including a Chola-era bronze trident, a granite Nandi idol and a Karthikeya sculpture, in a move announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the country.The Union Ministry of Culture said in a press statement, “In a profound testament to the civilisational resonance anchoring modern diplomacy, Australia is set to repatriate three culturally significant ancient antiquities to India. These artefacts include a ceremonial bronze trident of Goddess Bhadrakali, a majestic granite idol of Nandi, and a basalt sculpture depicting the six-headed Karthikeya.”All these items date back to the 11th and 12th centuries and were originally sourced from temples in Tamil Nadu. The official announcement of the repatriation coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s visit to Australia, further emphasising the strong cultural alignment between the two nations, the Ministry said.The Bhadrakali Trident was acquired from Temple Gallery, New York, with a provenance tracing ownership only to Dr. P.S. Rao, Chennai, before entering the gallery in 1993. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTThe three antiquities, currently housed in the National Gallery of Australia, are being repatriated under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) after investigations by the Tamil Nadu Idol Wing CID established that they had been removed from temples in Tamil Nadu and trafficked overseas.Commenting on the repatriation of the idols, S. Vijaya Kumar, cultural enthusiast and co-founder of India Pride, said the return of these three artefacts marks the conclusion of a process that should have happened many years ago. More than a decade has passed since the National Gallery of Australia’s independent provenance review by former High Court Justice Susan Crennan AC identified significant shortcomings in the provenance of these objects. The review concluded that the ownership histories of two idols did not establish lawful export from India.The Bhadrakali Trident was acquired from Temple Gallery, New York, with a provenance tracing ownership only to Dr. P.S. Rao, Chennai, before entering the gallery in 1993. Justice Crennan concluded that this ownership history did not establish that the object had been legally exported. It has now been identified as originating from Sri Kasi Viswanatha Swamy Temple, Kollumangudi, Tiruvarur district.The six-headed Karthikeya (Shanmukha) was identified as originating from Naganathaswamy Temple, Manambadi, Thanjavur, built during the reign of Rajendra Chola I. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTThe Stone Nandi was purchased from Carlton Rochell Asian Art based on an elaborate provenance claiming that Mexican diplomat Mario Calderon had assembled the sculpture in Goa before it passed through inheritance to Pedro Silva Villasenor in Mexico. The Crennan Review found that this ownership chain was not convincingly corroborated, and subsequent investigation identified the sculpture as originating from the temple in Tamil Nadu.The six-headed Karthikeya (Shanmukha) followed a provenance similar to the Bhadrakali Trident, again relying upon ownership through Dr. P.S. Rao and Temple Gallery. Justice Crennan’s review concluded that there was insufficient evidence to establish a lawful export from India. It has now been identified as originating from Naganathaswamy Temple, Manambadi, Thanjavur, built during the reign of Rajendra Chola I, said Mr. Vijayakumar.Published - July 09, 2026 07:39 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }