Returning Cultural Treasures: Oxford’s Decision

Oxford University has decided to return a 500-year-old sculpture of a Hindu saint back to India. The statue, standing nearly 60cm tall and depicting Tirumankai Alvar, has been a fixture at the Ashmolean Museum.

The move came after the Indian high commission raised a claim for the 16th-century bronze, believed to have been taken from an Indian temple, possibly looted. Oxford’s council supported the claim, stating it was the right thing to do. Now, the decision awaits approval from the Charity Commission.

This decision echoes a growing trend. Just recently, Oxford and Cambridge universities discussed returning Benin bronzes following Nigeria’s request. These artefacts were taken in 1897 amid colonial tensions.

The return of cultural treasures isn’t new. The Koh-i-noor diamond, part of the British crown jewels, has faced demands for return from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran since India’s independence. The gem, seized by the East India Company, remains a symbol of contested history.

Even the Parthenon marbles have sparked disputes. Greece continues to press for their return from the British Museum, alleging they were taken during a time of occupation.

These stories highlight broader debates about heritage and ownership. Each artefact carries layers of history, loss, and connection to identity. Oxford’s decision reflects a step towards acknowledging past wrongs and fostering international dialogue on cultural restitution.