In letter to King Charles, Chhattisgarh group seeks return of MP's Sanchi relics, Koh-i-Noor & artefacts of Shivaji

RAIPUR: Bringing the spotlight squarely on India’s ancient Buddhist legacy, a Chhattisgarh-based civil society group has demanded the return of rare artefacts from Sanchi — among the oldest and most significant heritage sites of undivided Madhya Pradesh — currently held in the UK, calling their continued possession a “symbol of colonial plunder." In a strongly worded letter to King Charles III, the group has sought the repatriation of the iconic Sanchi Yakshi (1st century BCE–1st century CE) and other relics spanning 800 to 1,000 years, with some antiquities claimed to be over 4,000 years old, alongside high-profile demands for the Koh-i-Noor and artefacts linked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In a sharply worded letter sent through “registered post/diplomatic channels”, the Chhattisgarh civil society, led by convenor Dr Kuldeep Solanki, accused Britain of preserving “India’s stolen identity” in museums and collections built during colonial rule. The group warned of legal action in international forums if the artefacts are not returned within stipulated timelines. Among the key demands is the return of Sanchi Yakshi, Shivaji Maharaj’s “Wagh Nakh” (tiger claws), Jagdamba sword, and historical oil paintings linked to the Maratha ruler by June 6, 2026. The letter further seeks the repatriation of Koh-i-Noor and 211 rare Indian artefacts by Aug 15, 2026. Significantly, the organisation has also highlighted artefacts from Sanchi — part of undivided Madhya Pradesh and among India’s most important Buddhist heritage sites — saying several pieces of “high historical significance” are now housed abroad. "The sculpture from Sanchi represents not merely archaeological remains but symbols of India’s civilisational continuity and Buddhist heritage. The Amaravati marbles, Ashokan edicts, Bimaran casket, Chola bronze sculptures, Mughal and Rajput miniatures, Jain Tirthankara sculptures, and ancient coins and jewellery from Indus Valley to Mughal periods were also listed among items sought back," Dr Solanki said. In the letter addressed to Buckingham Palace, the organisation alleged that many artefacts were removed through “deceit and force” during British rule. “The era of loot has ended,” the memorandum states, adding that retaining such treasures in foreign museums amounts to an insult to India’s faith, identity and ancestors. The organisation also threatened to move the International Court of Justice (ICJ), seeking restitution and compensation equivalent to revenues allegedly earned through exhibition of these artefacts over decades. The letter further mentions a claim of over “5 trillion dollars” towards historical indemnity, citing “human losses, territory losses and loss to Indian civilisation”. The communication has also been marked to the British High Commission in New Delhi and the Prime Minister’s Office in India.