198 Stolen Archaeological Artifacts Returned to Nepal So Far

Kathmandu, Dec 15

A total of 198 archaeological artifacts stolen from Nepal have been brought back from abroad so far, the Department of Archaeology has said.

Archaeological Officer Sarita Subedi said the artifacts were returned through coordinated efforts involving the Department, national and international heritage activists, and Nepali diaspora communities. Organizations working in heritage conservation in the United States and several European countries played a key role in the recovery process.

She explained that, under international law, cultural heritage found in another country must be returned to its country of origin after completing required legal procedures. Accordingly, the artifacts were repatriated following due legal processes.

The returned items include wood and stone carvings, architectural elements, statues, and other objects originally created in Nepal that were stolen or smuggled abroad. Claims for their return are made based on credible information and supporting evidence when such artifacts are located in museums, auction houses, or private collections.

Subedi added that some recovered artifacts, particularly idols of gods and goddesses, have been ceremonially reinstalled at their original sites. The cost of transporting the artifacts back to Nepal is borne by the country where they are found.