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Smithsonian Returns Stolen Indian Statues to Tamil Nadu

2/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art will return three stolen Indian bronze statues to India.
The statues are Somaskanda (12th century), Saint Sundarar With Paravai (16th century), Shiva Nataraja (A.D. 990), with Shiva Nataraja remaining on long-term loan.
Provenance research confirmed they were illegally removed from temples in Tamil Nadu.
The museum strengthened its return policy in 2022, enabling this repatriation after collaborating with the Indian government and organizations.

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Story summary

The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art will return three stolen Indian bronze statues to India.
The statues are Somaskanda (12th century), Saint Sundarar With Paravai (16th century), Shiva Nataraja (A.D. 990), with Shiva Nataraja remaining on long-term loan.
Provenance research confirmed they were illegally removed from temples in Tamil Nadu.
The museum strengthened its return policy in 2022, enabling this repatriation after collaborating with the Indian government and organizations.