Chhattisgarh Civil Society warns UK king over return of Shivaji’s sword, artefacts
Raipur, May 6: In a move that could trigger fresh diplomatic debate between India and the United Kingdom, the Chhattisgarh Civil Society…
Raipur, May 6: In a move that could trigger fresh diplomatic debate between India and the United Kingdom, the Chhattisgarh Civil Society (CCS) has issued a legal ultimatum to King Charles III, demanding the return of 211 Indian artefacts, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s famed Jagdamba sword and Wagh Nakh (tiger claws).
The organisation has set June 6, 2026, as the deadline for the unconditional return of the artefacts, warning that failure to comply could lead to a multi-trillion dollar lawsuit at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
June 6 Deadline Linked to Shivaji Maharaj’s Coronation Anniversary
According to CCS convener Dr. Kuldeep Solanki, the date was deliberately chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Dr. Solanki said the communication sent to Buckingham Palace was not merely a symbolic appeal but a formal notice seeking the restitution of cultural property allegedly taken from India during British rule.
“The era of India being a silent spectator to the display of its looted heritage is over. These are not just artefacts but symbols of national identity,” he said.
He added that if the items are not returned to India by the deadline, the UK could face “an unprecedented legal and financial challenge.”
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CCS Claims ‘Rental and Exploitation Fees’ on Artefacts
The Chhattisgarh Civil Society has claimed that its proposed legal action would seek compensation of nearly 5 trillion dollars, which it says represents revenue earned through the display of Indian artefacts in British museums over more than a century.
The group argues that the amount includes estimated museum revenues, adjusted for inflation and compounded interest over nearly 150 years.
CCS has described the continued display of the artefacts as “criminal profiteering” under international law.
Legal experts, however, note that while such compensation claims are extremely complex and unprecedented in scale, demands for restitution of colonial-era artefacts have been growing globally.
Key Artefacts Mentioned in CCS Demand
The list of artefacts highlighted by the organisation includes several historically significant Indian objects and relics:
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Jagdamba sword
- Wagh Nakh (tiger claws) linked to the Maratha ruler
- The ancient Amaravati Marbles
- Chola-era Nataraja bronzes
- Ashokan edicts inscribed in Brahmi script
- Rare Mughal and Rajput miniature paintings
Debate Over Colonial-Era Artefacts Gains Momentum
The issue of returning artefacts taken during colonial rule has become a major international debate in recent years, with several countries in Africa and Asia demanding the repatriation of culturally significant objects from European museums.
CCS said the British claim of being “custodians” of world heritage cannot justify possession of artefacts allegedly removed during colonial rule.
The organisation also claimed that the proposed legal action could set an international precedent for other formerly colonised nations seeking reparations and the return of cultural property.
No Official Response Yet From Buckingham Palace
There has been no official response so far from Buckingham Palace or the UK government regarding the CCS demand.
Observers say any legal move at the ICJ would involve complex questions of international law, sovereign jurisdiction, and historical ownership claims.
