In a major first, the University of Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum has returned a 16th century bronze idol to India for its journey back to the temple in Tamil Nadu where it belongs. ADVERTISEMENTThis led to the museum requesting the High Commission of India in London to formally confirm its provenance, with the process concluding in a formal hand-over ceremony at India House on Tuesday evening. “This is a really significant moment for the Ashmolean Museum,” said Dr Xa Sturgis, director of Britain's first public museum dating back to the 17th century. “It was over five years ago that we first became aware that there was evidence that this bronze had been photographed in the temple in Tamil Nadu. “I am really excited that this statue is on its way home to Tamil Nadu, the part of India where my dad's from.

Source: The Telegraph March 04, 2026 05:09 UTC