The Netherlands formally returned a rare set of 11th-century Chola-era copper plates to India on Saturday during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the European country. The return of these historically important artefacts signals the culmination of more than a decade of diplomatic efforts and reflects the strengthening relationship between India and the Netherlands.
News
Netherlands Returns 11th-Century Chola Copper Plates To India During PM Modi’s Visit
Known as the Leiden Plates, these copper plates are considered among the most important pieces of Tamil heritage preserved outside India
Tenzin Chodon
18 May 2026
The Netherlands returns 11th-century Chola-era copper plates to India Photo: Image credit: X/@narendramodi
The Netherlands returns 11th-century Chola-era copper plates to India Photo: Image credit: X/@narendramodi
CLOSE