21 artistic objects of archeological importance, which were stolen from Nepal and brought to America, have been brought back to Nepal.
On Sunday morning, the archeology department has handed over those statues to the concerned local level .
Among these are three Pauwa paintings (15-18th century). These Pauwa paintings are from Itumbahal in Kathmandu. He was lost in the year 2037. Similarly, a stone statue of Sthanaka Buddha (9th century) was lost from the chaitya of the Machhindrabahal complex in Bungmati .
In addition, the statue of Muddhalind Buddha (12th-13th century) and other 16 artistic objects (9th-19th century) from the Guit Chaitya shrine of Guit Tol, Patan, returned from the Art Institute Chicago, were also lost and reached America. In the
program, Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Badriprasad Pandey said, 'Even if Nepal's heritage reaches any corner of the world, we are trying to return those heritages by understanding the importance of Nepali heritage. Now idols cannot be stolen from Nepal. It's a positive thing that things that have gone in the past are coming back now.'
Questioning how such properties were lost in the past, he said, 'Now the time for mischief is over and it cannot be stolen anymore.'
Minister Pandey further said, 'Local governments are now able to protect their beliefs . Archaeological heritages will be established in places where they were previously lost.'
So far, a total of 177 statues and art objects of archaeological importance have been returned from Britain, Austria, America, China (Tibet), India, Germany, Australia and Italy through the efforts of various national and international individuals and organizations.
Diplomatic initiatives are underway for the return of more art objects from countries like America, France, Britain, China, Austria, Australia. The number of items of archaeological importance returned to Nepal from the United States alone has reached 104.
