'Return of the Costume Treasure' Exhibition on Protection and Restoration of Cultural Property Inaugurated in Khajuraho | 23 Feb 2023

Why In News?

• On February 22, 2023, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Culture Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of State for Culture Meenakshi Lekhi inaugurated an exhibition titled 'Return of Costume Treasures on Protection and Restoration of Cultural Property' at Maharaja Chhatrasal Convention Hall at Khajuraho in Chhatarpur district of the state.

Key points

• A re-address returns off (treasures) was also released on the occasion.
• It is noteworthy that 2014 from to 2022, the Government of India has brought back 229 countries and returned rare items related to heritage. Selected items from these are displayed in the exhibition.
• The objective of this exhibition is to showcase the spirit, need and future of repatriation of cultural wealth through select examples of successful return of cultural heritage in India and around the world. The exhibition has become a medium to showcase cultural objects, their history and the stories surrounding their successful return.
• Under the aegis of The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the Archaeological Survey of India and the National Institute of Museums and the National Museum have jointly Re-Dress organized the exhibition Treasure Return.
• The exhibition has been made part of the G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) meetings held across India by the Ministry of Culture. Among the most important pieces on display at the exhibition is the woman who was brought back to India from Canada in 2015. It is now housed at the ASI Site Museum in Khajuraho.
• Around 26 antiquities from across India are featured in the exhibition, complemented with photographs and visuals of antiquities returned to India so far, along with some encouraging examples of repatriation from other parts of the world.
• It is known that so far, a total of 242 antiquities from different countries have been repatriated to India. Many others are still in the process of returning.
• Global efforts towards bringing back cultural wealth are excellent examples of cultural and international cooperation between countries. These pieces of art and antiquity, past victims of illegal trafficking are now being exhibited as cultural ambassadors and advocates of the repatriation of cultural heritage.