New York officials return more than 650 antiquities valued at $14m to India
New York authorities have returned 657 antiquities valued at $14 million to India, including items linked to alleged art smuggler Subhash Kapoor, in a ceremony at the Indian consulate general. The Manhattan district attorney highlighted the extensive trafficking networks that targeted Indian cultural heritage, while New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani commented on the need for Britain to return the Koh-i-noor diamond. The repatriation event, planned months in advance, coincided with King Charles III's visit to New York but was not officially connected to it.
- ▪The Manhattan district attorney returned 657 stolen antiquities valued at $14 million to India, many tied to alleged smuggler Subhash Kapoor.
- ▪Among the returned items are a bronze figure of Avalokiteshvara and a sandstone statue of a dancing Ganesha, both looted and illegally brought into the U.S.
- ▪Mayor Zohran Mamdani suggested King Charles should return the Koh-i-noor diamond to India, reigniting debate over colonial-era artifacts.
- ▪The repatriation ceremony was held at the consulate general of India and was scheduled months before the British royal visit.
- ▪India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan have all claimed ownership of the Koh-i-noor diamond, which Britain acquired in 1849.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
A bronze figure of the Buddhist deity Avalokiteshvara. Photograph: Manhattan District AttorneyView image in fullscreenA bronze figure of the Buddhist deity Avalokiteshvara. Photograph: Manhattan District AttorneyNew YorkNew York officials return more than 650 antiquities valued at $14m to IndiaMove comes after mayor Zohran Mamdani spoke on return of the Koh-i-noor diamond after UK royals’ visit to New YorkEdward Helmore in New YorkThu 30 Apr 2026 11.29 EDTLast modified on Thu 30 Apr 2026 11.31 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleHundreds of antiquities valued at $14m have been returned to India by New York authorities, including some connected to the alleged art smuggler Subhash Kapoor, in a move that is likely to raise the pressure on others to make similar gestures.The return of 657…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — World.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Guardian — World
