A murti of Bhagwan Krishna performing the Kaliya Mardan has returned from Bangkok. It is being showcased for the first time at an exhibition during the ongoing Heritage Committee meeting at Bharat Mandapam. The Kaliya Mardan murti dates back to the 10th-11th century.
Heritage lovers from around the world are praising the murti. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also commended the effort to bring back these murtis. The Kaliya Mardan murti depicts Bhagwan Krishna dancing on the hood of the serpent Kaliya, showcasing exceptional art.
Archaeologists explain that the murti dates back to when the Chola Empire ruled South Bharat. The Cholas were known for their glorious reign and efforts to spread Hindu Dharma to other countries. Their influence extended beyond Bharat to surrounding regions.
It is reported that the murti was en route to America via Bangkok when American investigative agencies intercepted it. The person carrying the murti claimed it was stolen and agreed to return it. An investigation confirmed that the murti had been stolen from Tamil Nadu and recently brought back to Bharat.
An exhibition of significant antiquities returned from other countries is organized at Bharat Mandapam, featuring 25 items, primarily heritage murtis. These items were once stolen and sold abroad for large sums of money. Information about these stolen murtis surfaced after the arrest of international Murti smuggler Subhash Kapoor in 2011. Since 2015, around 350 murtis have been returned, mainly from America.
Among the displayed murtis at Bharat Mandapam is a 2000-year-old human figure returned from America in 2021, a 13th-century Murti of a dancing woman, and a murti of a dancing Ganesha. Also included is the 11th-century Parrot Lady murti, stolen from Khajuraho and returned from Canada in 2015. A 17th-century sword, scabbard, and the 10th-11th century murti of Mahishasurmardani, stolen from Almora and returned from America in 2018, are also on display. Additionally, there is the murti of Gana from Uttar Pradesh’s Bhiratgaon, brought back from America in 1991, and a unique invitation card of Jain monks, several feet long, returned from Australia in 2022.
(Featured Image Source: Dainik Jagran)
