चोल कालीन कांस्य मूर्तियों की सफल वापसी
भारत सरकार ने ऑस्ट्रेलिया से 10वीं शताब्दी की चोल कालीन कांस्य मूर्तियों को सफलतापूर्वक वापस लाने की प्रक्रिया पूरी कर ली है।
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- Three 10th-century Chola bronze sculptures, including Nataraja and Parvati, repatriated from Australia.
- The sculptures were illegally smuggled from Tamil Nadu temples decades ago.
- Chola dynasty (9th-13th centuries CE) is celebrated for its advanced bronze casting (Cire Perdue technique).
- Repatriation involved coordinated efforts by India's Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Culture, and ASI.
- This success highlights India's diplomatic efforts against illicit antiquities trafficking.
- The return restores significant cultural and religious artifacts to their rightful heritage.
- The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, forms the legal basis for such retrievals.
- The event strengthens India-Australia cultural ties and sets a precedent for future heritage recovery.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | High | 10–20 | Ancient, medieval, and modern history form a full section in UPSC Prelims and GS-I Mains. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | Medium | 3–5 | Modern Indian history, freedom struggle, and cultural heritage appear in SSC CGL. |
| State PCS / PSC | High | 5–10 | Regional history is specifically tested in state exams — Maratha history in Maharashtra, etc. |
Key Facts to Remember: चोल कालीन कांस्य मूर्तियों की सफल वापसी
- Three 10th-century Chola bronze sculptures, including Nataraja and Parvati, repatriated from Australia.
- The sculptures were illegally smuggled from Tamil Nadu temples decades ago.
- Chola dynasty (9th-13th centuries CE) is celebrated for its advanced bronze casting (Cire Perdue technique).
- Repatriation involved coordinated efforts by India's Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Culture, and ASI.
- This success highlights India's diplomatic efforts against illicit antiquities trafficking.
- The return restores significant cultural and religious artifacts to their rightful heritage.
- The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, forms the legal basis for such retrievals.
- The event strengthens India-Australia cultural ties and sets a precedent for future heritage recovery.
Practice Questions
Q1. Which Indian dynasty, known for its mastery in bronze casting, created the 10th-century sculptures recently repatriated from Australia?
- Gupta Dynasty
- Chola Dynasty
- Mauryan Dynasty
- Mughal Dynasty
Explanation: The Chola dynasty, flourishing between the 9th and 13th centuries CE, is world-renowned for its exquisite bronze sculptures, including the iconic Nataraja. The recently repatriated artifacts are prime examples of their artistic achievements.
Q2. The 'lost-wax' technique, famously used by Chola artisans for bronze casting, is also known by which term?
- Damascening
- Champlevé
- Cire Perdue
- Repoussé
Explanation: Cire Perdue is the French term for the lost-wax casting method, a sophisticated technique perfected by Chola sculptors to create intricate and detailed bronze figures. This method involves creating a wax model, coating it, melting out the wax, and then pouring molten metal into the mold.
Q3. Which Indian Act provides the primary legal framework for the protection and recovery of antiquities and art treasures from illegal trafficking?
- The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958
- The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972
- The Copyright Act, 1957
- The Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878
Explanation: The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, is the principal legislation in India that governs the export, import, and protection of antiquities and art treasures, providing the legal basis for the government's efforts to recover stolen artifacts.
Q4. The recent repatriation of Chola bronze sculptures from Australia is a significant achievement primarily in which area of international relations?
- Trade Negotiations
- Military Alliance
- Cultural Diplomacy and Heritage Retrieval
- Environmental Protection Agreements
Explanation: The successful return of cultural artifacts demonstrates India's effective use of diplomatic channels to combat illicit trafficking and reclaim its heritage, highlighting the importance of cultural diplomacy and international cooperation in preserving shared history.
Q5. Which of the following deities is typically represented in the dynamic 'cosmic dancer' form, exemplified by the 10th-century Chola bronze sculptures recently returned to India?
- Lord Vishnu
- Lord Brahma
- Lord Shiva (as Nataraja)
- Lord Ganesha
Explanation: Lord Shiva is famously depicted as Nataraja, the 'Lord of the Dance', in a powerful cosmic dance posture. The Chola bronzes, particularly the Nataraja idol, are celebrated for their artistic representation of this divine form, symbolizing creation and destruction.
How to Prepare History & Culture for Government Exams — चोल कालीन कांस्य मूर्तियों की सफल वापसी
When a historical figure is in the news, revise 5 key facts about their contribution — this is typically what the exam asks.
For SSC and Railway, focus on dates and names. For UPSC, understand the social, economic, and political context.
Maintain a 'This Week in History' note — anniversaries and commemorations generate predictable exam questions.
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