On May 16, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the return of 1,000-year-old Chola Copper Plates from the Netherlands to India. The announcement was made during Modi’s visit to the Netherlands, where he participated in a ceremony alongside Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
The Chola Copper Plates, dating back to the 11th century, were housed at Leiden University since the mid-19th century. They consist of 21 large plates and three small plates, containing texts in Tamil and Sanskrit. These plates document the formalization of an oral commitment by Rajendra Chola I, highlighting the legacy of the Chola dynasty.
The plates were originally taken to the Netherlands in the 1700s by Florentius Camper, a Christian missionary in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, during the Dutch colonial period. The plates formalized the gifting of Anaimangalam village to a Buddha vihara, showcasing India’s rich cultural history.
India has pursued the return of these plates since 2012. Their repatriation is a significant step in reclaiming India’s cultural heritage. The plates weigh approximately 30 kg and are bound by a bronze ring with the Chola royal seal.
This event is part of Modi’s five-nation tour, which includes visits to the UAE, Sweden, Norway, and Italy, concluding on May 20, 2026. The return of the Chola plates is expected to strengthen cultural diplomacy and deepen ties between India and the Netherlands.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, May 17, 2026
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