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New Delhi: Netherlands on Saturday handed over historical copper plates to the 11th century Chola dynasty to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present on this special occasion. It is being considered an important symbol of the strengthening cultural and diplomatic relations between India and the Netherlands. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reached the Netherlands on the second leg of his five-nation tour after a brief stay in the United Arab Emirates. His tour also includes Sweden, Norway and Italy. India had been demanding the return of these historical copper plates for a long time.

Since when were the attempts to make a comeback going on?

India had been making efforts for the return of the Anaimangalam copper plates since 2012. In the Netherlands they are known as Leiden plates. These 21 copper plates are counted among the most important historical records of the Chola Empire and are among the major monuments of Tamil heritage preserved outside India.

The plaques are from the time of Raja Raja Chola I.

These copper plates are believed to belong to the reign of Raja Raja Chola I. These plates, weighing about 30 kg, are tied to a bronze ring bearing the royal seal of the Chola dynasty. The plates are divided into two parts. In one part there are inscriptions in Sanskrit language, while in the other part Tamil language has been used. King Chola I was a Hindu emperor who provided revenue grants for a Buddhist monastery.

Rajendra Chola I had engraved the copper plates.

According to history, King Raja Chola I gave the original order orally, which was first written down on palm leaves. Later his son Rajendra Chola I got this grant engraved on copper plates to preserve it permanently. The bronze rings connecting these plaques bear the royal seal of Rajendra Chola.

How did you reach Netherlands?

These copper plates were taken to the Netherlands by Florentius Camper in the 1700s. He had come to India at that time with a Christian missionary group. The city of Nagapattinam which is mentioned in these plaques was under Dutch control at that time.

International committee accepted India’s claim as true

In the 24th session of the Inter-Governmental Committee regarding the return of the copper plates, India’s claim was considered valid. The committee had encouraged the Netherlands to have positive bilateral talks with India. After this, Netherlands decided to return these historical plaques to India during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.