**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1327 on July 28, 2025, regarding the retrieval of Indian antiques and artifacts from foreign countries, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, stated the following: While numerous Indian antiquities and artifacts are housed in museums, art galleries, and private collections worldwide, the Government of India does not have an estimated number or value of these items. However, upon receiving reports of illegally exported antiquities of Indian origin on foreign soil, the Government, through its Indian Missions, initiates necessary actions for retrieval. Since 1976, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has successfully retrieved 655 antiquities.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Culture: A ministry within the Government of India responsible for the preservation and promotion of art and culture.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
Shri Basavaraj Bommai: A Member of Parliament who raised a question in the Lok Sabha regarding the retrieval of Indian antiques and artifacts.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat: The Minister of Culture and Tourism who provided the answer to the question raised in the Lok Sabha.
Indian antiques and artifacts: Cultural objects of Indian origin that are of historical and artistic significance.
Archaeological Survey of India: An Indian government agency responsible for archaeological research and the conservation of cultural monuments in the country.
Indian Missions: Diplomatic missions of India located in foreign countries. These missions are involved in the process of retrieving illegally exported antiquities.
1976: The year from which the Archaeological Survey of India started keeping records of retrieved antiquities.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1327
ANSWERED ON 28/07/2025
RETRIEVAL OF INDIAN ANTIQUES AND ARTIFACTS
1327. SHRI BASAVARAJ BOMMAI:
Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) the details of the estimated number and value of Indian antiques and artifacts still
available in the foreign soil, country-wise;
(b) whether the Government has any plan to retrieve them; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a)to(c) Several Museums and Art Galleries around the world houses Indian antiquities
and artifacts, besides such collections with individuals. However, no such
estimated number is available, but as and when, any illegally exported antiquity
of Indian origin is reported on foreign soil, necessary action are initiated through
Indian Missions for their retrieval. Archaeological Survey of India has retrieved
655 number antiquities since 1976.
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