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The Leiden University Library in the Netherlands today restituted the 11th-century Chola Copper Plates to the Government of India in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten.
An official release said that Chola Copper Plates, a set of 21 large plates and 3 small plates, are royal charters issued by Chola Kings during the 11th century CE. These charters formalise gifting of Anaimangalam village to a Buddha vihara called Chulamanivarma-vihara in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu. The Plates contain texts written in Tamil and Sanskrit.
Significance of the Chola Copper Plates
This image posted on May 16, 2026 shows an artifact, which is being handed back to India among other articles during a restitution ceremony, is displayed at the event, in The Hague. The Netherlands on Saturday handed back 11th-century Chola dynasty copper plates to India, in an event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signifying the strengthening of ties between the two countries. | Photo Credit: via PTI Photo
The restitution of these Chola copper plates assumes significance since they are not merely artefacts of the past, but an invaluable story of India’s heritage and civilization, the release said. The homecoming of these plates has a deep emotional appeal for the people of India.
PM Modi calls return a joyous moment for India
This image posted on May 16, 2026 shows the 11th-century Chola dynasty copper plates, which are being handed back to India during a restitution ceremony, are displayed at the event, in The Hague. The Netherlands on Saturday handed back 11th-century Chola dynasty copper plates to India, in an event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signifying the strengthening of ties between the two countries. | Photo Credit: via PTI Photo
PM Modi described the return a joyous moment for every Indian. “A joyous moment for every Indian! Chola Copper Plates dating back to the 11th Century will be repatriated to India from the Netherlands. Took part in the ceremony for the same in the presence of Prime Minister Rob Jetten,” he said in a post on X.
The Chola Copper Plates are a set of 21 large plates and three small plates and largely contain texts in Tamil, one of the most beautiful languages of the world. “They relate to the great Rajendra Chola I formalising an oral commitment made by his father, King Rajaraja I. They also showcase the greatness of the Cholas. We in India are immensely proud of the Cholas, their culture and their maritime prowess,” he added.
India thanks Netherlands and Leiden University
A view of the historic 11th-century Chola Copper Plates repatriated to India from the Netherlands, displayed during the handover ceremony, in The Hague on Saturday | Photo Credit: @narendramodi X
PM Modi thanked the Netherlands government and Leiden University in particular, where the Copper Plates were kept since the mid-19th century. PM Modi is on a visit to the Netherlands in the second leg of his five-nation tour.
Published on May 16, 2026
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