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Smithsonian to Repatriate Stolen Hindu Sculptures to India

1/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Asian Art will repatriate three stolen bronze sculptures of Hindu gods to India.
The artifacts, including the “Shiva Nataraja,” were taken from Tamil temples in the mid-20th century.
The “Shiva Nataraja” will remain on long-term loan at the museum, raising concerns about the Indian government's authority over the religious property.
The other two bronzes, “Somaskanda” and “Saint Sundarar with Paravai,” will be returned to the Indian Embassy.
The India Pride Project has facilitated the return of over ten bronzes to their original temples in recent years.

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Story summary

The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Asian Art will repatriate three stolen bronze sculptures of Hindu gods to India.
The artifacts, including the “Shiva Nataraja,” were taken from Tamil temples in the mid-20th century.
The “Shiva Nataraja” will remain on long-term loan at the museum, raising concerns about the Indian government's authority over the religious property.
The other two bronzes, “Somaskanda” and “Saint Sundarar with Paravai,” will be returned to the Indian Embassy.
The India Pride Project has facilitated the return of over ten bronzes to their original temples in recent years.