Renewed efforts to reclaim Amaravati artefacts from British, Indian museums

In a move to reclaim lost cultural heritage, the Andhra Pradesh government has formally urged the Centre to help bring back centuries-old Buddhist artefacts from the British Museum and Indian institutions, in a renewed push to restore Amaravati's heritage.

- Bandhavi Annam @Guntur

In a letter dated July 19, Ajay Jain, Special Chief Secretary, Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture Department, requested the Ministry of External Affairs to initiate talks with the UK for the return of over 130 Amaravati limestone sculptures currently housed in the British Museum. These include rare dome slabs, railing pillars, medallions, and Jataka panels dating as far back as the 2nd century BCE.