News Desk: In a major cultural and diplomatic gesture, the Netherlands has returned the historic 11th-century Leiden Copper Plates to India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the European nation.
The rare Chola-era artefacts were formally handed over by Leiden University, where the copper plates had been preserved for more than a century at the university’s Asian Library.
Considered among the most significant historical records of the mighty Chola Empire, the collection comprises 21 large and three small copper plates bound by a bronze ring carrying the royal seal of emperor Rajendra Chola I. The inscriptions are written in both Sanskrit and Tamil. Another set bearing the seal of Kulottunga Chola I also contains Tamil inscriptions.
A joyous moment for every Indian!
Chola Copper Plates dating back to the 11th Century will be repatriated to India from the Netherlands. Took part in the ceremony for the same in the presence of Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
The Chola Copper Plates are a set of 21 large plates… pic.twitter.com/Zwu0QFc2ZJ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2026
Historians regard the plates as invaluable documents detailing the Chola Empire’s sophisticated governance system, taxation policies, irrigation networks, land administration and flourishing maritime trade.
The inscriptions also reveal the dynasty’s strong commitment to religious harmony, recording the grant of Anaimangalam village for a Buddhist vihara established by Srivijaya rulers from Southeast Asia. Experts say the records provide rare evidence of deep maritime, diplomatic and cultural ties between South and Southeast Asia nearly a millennium ago.
In addition to the artefacts, Leiden University will also transfer archival records, metadata and historical correspondence linked to the copper plates to India.
The return of the treasured relics is being seen as a landmark moment in India-Netherlands cultural cooperation and global efforts toward heritage restitution.
