Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the return of the Chola-era Anamangalam copper plates from the Netherlands has filled Indians with pride and brought particular joy to Tamils across the world. He spoke about the development in his monthly radio address, Mann Ki Baat.
Recalling his recent visit to the European nation, Modi said the Dutch government handed over the historic copper plates in the presence of the Netherlands’ Prime Minister. He noted that the event has drawn sustained attention both abroad and in India.
Sharing details, Modi said a total of 24 copper plates were returned—21 larger plates and three smaller ones. The inscriptions relate to a royal order connected to the donation of Anamangalam village to the Buddhist Chudamani Vihara in Nagapattinam.
He said the order was initiated during the reign of Rajaraja Chola, and was later fulfilled through inscriptions issued under Rajendra Chola I, reflecting the commitment to honour a promise. The plates also carry meikeerthi accounts of Chola victories and achievements, and mention deep trade and diplomatic links between Tamil Nadu and Southeast Asian regions, including the strength of maritime transport in the Chola period.
In the same broadcast, Modi also praised public service efforts such as free swimming lessons in Kerala, an ambulance service to protect Ganga dolphins in Uttar Pradesh, and youth initiatives to clean rivers.
