The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, United States, announced on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) that it would return three sculptures — of Nataraja, Somaskanda, and Saint Sundarar with Paravai — to the Government of India. The Indian government has agreed to place one of the sculptures on a long-term loan at the museum. “The National Museum of Asian Art is committed to stewarding cultural heritage responsibly and advancing transparency in our collection,” museum director Chase F. Robinson said in a statement released by the Smithsonian. The museum and the Embassy of India are finalising arrangements to formally mark the agreement. While the return of the Somaskanda and Sundarar-Paravai idols is welcome, the so-called long-term loan of the Nataraja is legally untenable.

Source: The Hindu January 30, 2026 03:16 UTC