Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the return of 11th-century Chola-era copper plates from the Netherlands to India.
In a statement, Modi said he took part in an event related to the repatriation along with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. The collection comprises 21 large plates and three smaller ones.
He noted that most of the inscriptions are in Tamil, which he described as one of the world’s most beautiful languages. The plates record how Rajendra Chola I formalised a promise that had been given orally by his father, Rajaraja Chola I.
Modi said Indians take pride in the Cholas’ culture and naval capabilities. He also expressed gratitude to the Netherlands government and to Leiden University for safeguarding the plates since the mid-19th century.
