Netherlands Hands Back 1,000-Year-Old Chola Dynasty Copper Plates To India

New Delhi: During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Netherlands, Saturday marked a memorable day for Indian culture and civilization, when the government returned Chola-era copper plates to India. These plates, dating back to the 11th century, were taken to the Netherlands in the 18th century by Florentius Camper, who was associated with a Christian mission in India during the period when Nagapattinam was under Dutch control.

What is the buzz?

India had been pursuing diplomatic efforts for the return of these cultural artifacts for a long time. Netherlands has now handed back these Chola-era plates, in an event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signifying the strengthening of relation between the two countries.

What did PM Modi say?

PM Narendra Modi praised Netherlands for returning the Chola dynasty cooper plates to India. In the ceremony held in the presence of Netherlands Prime Minister Rob Jetten, PM Modi called it a moment of happiness for every Indian. 

Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, "A joyous moment for every Indian! Chola Copper Plates dating back to the 11th Century will be repatriated to India from the Netherlands. Took part in the ceremony for the same in the presence of Prime Minister Rob Jetten."

Sharing details regarding the 1,000-year-old Chola dynasty copper plates, PM Modi said that, "The Chola Copper Plates are a set of 21 large plates and 3 small plates and largely contain texts in Tamil, one of the most beautiful languages of the world. They relate to the great Rajendra Chola I formalising an oral commitment made by his father, King Rajaraja I. They also showcase the greatness of the Cholas. We in India are immensely proud of the Cholas, their culture and their maritime prowess. I thank the Government of the Netherlands and Leiden University in particular, where the Copper Plates were kept since the mid-19th century."

A joyous moment for every Indian!

Chola Copper Plates dating back to the 11th Century will be repatriated to India from the Netherlands. Took part in the ceremony for the same in the presence of Prime Minister Rob Jetten.

The Chola Copper Plates are a set of 21 large plates… pic.twitter.com/Zwu0QFc2ZJ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2026

Did both the nations sign agreement?

PM Narendra Modi, who is on a  five-nation tour, reached the Netherlands on the second leg of his visit. During this, several important agreements related to investment, semiconductors, technology and cultural heritage were signed between India and the Netherlands. 

A major step has been taken to give a new impetus to semiconductor manufacturing in India. An important MoU was signed between the Netherlands' semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML and electronics manufacturing company Tata Electronics. 

The agreement was signed in the presence of PM Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Zetten. During bilateral talks with Prime Minister Rob Jetten, PM Modi emphasized the shared democratic values ​​and mutual trust between India and the Netherlands.