In a goodwill gesture after years of repatriation diplomacy, the Netherlands has handed Prime Minister Narendra Modi 11th-century Chola-era Anaimangalam copper plates. The 21 large and three small plates document historical grants tied to Chola King Rajaraja I’s contributions to a Buddhist vihara in Nagappattinam. Notably, they track a linguistic change in administrative customs terminology from “ulgu” to “sunkam,” reflecting shifts during Chola rule. After arrival, the Archaeological Survey of India will examine and secure the artifacts.
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