Ashmolean museum acquired the statue in 1967. In 2019, a French scholar flagged that its provenance was unclear, leading to a probe A 16th-century bronze statue of Saint Tirumankai Alvar, taken from a temple in Tamil Nadu, is among several Indian heritage items that are being returned to India from the UK.The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford acquired the 57.5cm tall statue of the South Indian Hindu saint in good faith in 1967 and had it on display. According to Sotheby’s, it was sold to the museum by the private collector, Dr J R Belmont (1886-1981). There is no information on how it entered his collection.However, in Nov 2019, a French scholar alerted the University of Oxford museum to research indicating that a photograph of the bronze had been taken in 1957 in the temple of Soundarrajaperumal temple in Thadikombu, a village in Tamil Nadu. This made the museum aware that its provenance was unclear, so the museum decided to investigate.Israel attacks IranUS-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: Iran launches ‘massive missile’ strike at US airbase in Bahrain; Israel bombs BeirutWest Asia crisis: 38 Indian ships stuck in Persian Gulf; 3 sailors dead’Safety risks’: US orders non-emergency staff in Pakistan to leave Karachi, Lahore consulatesAlthough no formal claim had been made, the Ashmolean wrote to the Indian High Commission on 16 Dec 2019, requesting further information and indicating the museum’s willingness to discuss its possible return.On 11 Feb 2020 a temple executive officer filed a police report noting that a modern replica had replaced the original bronze. The Indian High Commissioner then made a formal claim for return of the bronze on 3 March 2020.At request of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the museum commissioned metal analysis of the bronze and submitted results to inform a report on its provenance.Director of the Ashmolean Dr Xa Sturgis said: “The Ashmolean is pleased to see this important object returned to India and we are grateful to the Indian authorities and scholars who have helped establish its provenance. The museum and University of Oxford are committed to ethical collections practices and continued research into our collections, their origins and history.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMeet The Sheshnaag-150: India’s Answer To Cheap One Way Attack DronesHoli Colors Light Up Philippines As Filipino-Indian Community Celebrates Festival Of UnityRahul Gandhi, Kejriwal, BJP Leaders Mix Festive Wishes With Sharp Attacks Amid Holi CelebrationsPakistan President Asif Zardari Claims India Preparing For War, Calls For DialogueIndia Set To Double S-400 Fleet But Is It Worth Against Israel’s Iron DomeFamilies Overjoyed as 200 Stranded Indians Land Home Safely Amid Middle East TensionsMeta Blocks Social Media Pages Of Kashmiri Newspapers As Protests Over Khamenei’s Death SpreadPM Modi Welcomes Finnish President Stubb As India Expands Strategic Reach Amid Global TensionsAs Israel’s Iron Dome Falters In Iran War, India Opts For Five More Russian S-400 Air Defence System’48 Hours After Modi Left…’: Israel Envoy Reuven Azar Reveals When Netanyahu Approved Iran Strike123PhotostoriesSudha Chandran recalls losing her leg in an accident at 16; says, “I have lived more of my life with my prosthetic leg than with my original leg”8 desi-style broccoli dishes for a filling lunch7 Vastu practices that welcome money into your houseAries to Scorpio: Zodiac Signs that are likely to have a love marriageFrom mandap to majesty: Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda turn Hyderabad reception into a royal South Indian fashion momentHow to make high-protein Instant Sprout Chaat at home7 festive and colourful cocktails perfect for your Holi celebrationUnsure about your relationship? Ask yourself these five questions5 air fryer mistakes that ruin textureHow to verify land records before buying a plot123Hot PicksIran droneUS Iran War Impact on Stock MarketMiddle East CrisisGulf Flights UpdateIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingNBA Injury UpdateUS Israel Strike IranUS Attack on IranCBSE postpones Class 10 and 12 board examsUS Strike IranLG Hospital AhmedabadMiddle East CrisisIsrael Iran ConflictChandra Grahan 2026 TimeSchool Holiday in March
A 16th-century bronze statue of Saint Tirumankai Alvar, taken from a temple in Tamil Nadu, is among several Indian heritage items that are being returned to India from the UK.The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford acquired the 57.5cm tall statue of the South Indian Hindu saint in good faith in 1967 and had it on display. According to Sotheby’s, it was sold to the museum by the private collector, Dr J R Belmont (1886-1981). There is no information on how it entered his collection.However, in Nov 2019, a French scholar alerted the University of Oxford museum to research indicating that a photograph of the bronze had been taken in 1957 in the temple of Soundarrajaperumal temple in Thadikombu, a village in Tamil Nadu. This made the museum aware that its provenance was unclear, so the museum decided to investigate.Although no formal claim had been made, the Ashmolean wrote to the Indian High Commission on 16 Dec 2019, requesting further information and indicating the museum’s willingness to discuss its possible return.On 11 Feb 2020 a temple executive officer filed a police report noting that a modern replica had replaced the original bronze. The Indian High Commissioner then made a formal claim for return of the bronze on 3 March 2020.At request of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the museum commissioned metal analysis of the bronze and submitted results to inform a report on its provenance.Director of the Ashmolean Dr Xa Sturgis said: “The Ashmolean is pleased to see this important object returned to India and we are grateful to the Indian authorities and scholars who have helped establish its provenance. The museum and University of Oxford are committed to ethical collections practices and continued research into our collections, their origins and history.”
