Netherlands Returns 11th-Century Anaimangalam Chola Copper Plates to India During PM Modi's Visit

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's five-nation diplomatic tour, the Netherlands officially handed over the 11th-century Anaimangalam copper plates to India on 16 May 2026. These historically significant artefacts, also known as the Leiden Plates in Europe, had remained in Dutch custody for over a century after being taken from the Coromandel Coast during the Dutch colonial period. The collection consists of 21 large and 3 smaller copper sheets weighing nearly 30 kilograms, bound together by a copper ring bearing the royal Chola seal. The plates record a land grant of the village of Anaimangalam near Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, to the Chulamanivarma Vihara, a Buddhist monastery. Their return followed years of diplomatic negotiations and a provenance study by the Independent Colonial Collections Committee and Leiden University Libraries.

Background: The copper plates were originally issued during the reign of Rajaraja Chola I (985–1014 CE) and later permanently engraved onto copper by his son Rajendra Chola I. Dutch official Florentius Camper acquired them in the 18th century and the plates eventually became part of Leiden University's collection in 1862. The Netherlands adopted a formal policy on returning colonial-era artefacts in 2022, which gave momentum to India's repatriation efforts.

Key Points to Remember:

• Artefact: Anaimangalam Copper Plates (also called Leiden Plates)
• Returned by: Netherlands to India
• Date of return: 16 May 2026
• Occasion: PM Modi's visit to the Netherlands (5-nation tour)
• Period: Chola dynasty — reign of Rajaraja Chola I (985–1014 CE)
• Language: Sanskrit (early plates) and Tamil (majority of plates)
• Content of plates: Land grant to Chulamanivarma Vihara (Buddhist monastery), Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu
• Weight: ~30 kg; 21 large + 3 small copper sheets
• Originally kept at: Leiden University, Netherlands (since 1862)
• Netherlands repatriation policy: Adopted in 2022

Related Static GK:

• Chola dynasty ruled: 9th–13th century CE; South India
• Rajaraja Chola I: Built Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Rajendra Chola I: Conquered up to the Ganges; known as "Gangaikonda Chola"
• Nagapattinam: Coastal district of Tamil Nadu; historically important Buddhist and maritime trade centre
• India's efforts on cultural repatriation: Ministry of Culture oversees return of stolen/smuggled artefacts