Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal Writes to Centre as Rare Sculpture is Brought Back from the United States
Published on: May 29, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
On the occasion of International Museum Day, a major and proud development related to Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage has come to light. The rare bronze idol of Lord Avalokiteshvara, stolen from the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum in Raipur, is preparing to return to Chhattisgarh. Valued at nearly Rs 19 crore, the historic idol is being brought back from the United States, and the state government has actively initiated steps to reinstall it at the museum in Raipur.
Tourism, Culture and Religious Trust Minister Mr. Rajesh Agrawal has written a letter to Union Culture Minister Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, requesting that the idol be sent back to Chhattisgarh. According to information received, the idol has not yet arrived in India, but once it reaches the country, the state government will expedite the process of bringing it to Raipur and reinstalling it. Culture Minister Mr. Agrawal is also preparing to travel to Delhi to receive the idol.
Part of India’s Reclaimed Cultural Treasures
It is reported that in recent years, the United States has returned around 657 ancient and historical artefacts worth nearly 14 million dollars to India. Among these valuable treasures is the rare bronze idol of Avalokiteshvara stolen from the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum. The return of the idol is being considered a major achievement in the international effort to preserve cultural heritage and recover stolen Indian artefacts.
Symbol of Sirpur’s Glorious Heritage
The idol was discovered in 1939 near the Lakshman Temple complex at Sirpur, the world-famous archaeological site located in Mahasamund district. It was part of a large cache of bronze sculptures found in the region. Later, it was placed at the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum in Raipur for safe preservation. However, the idol was stolen and eventually reached the United States.
According to historians, the inscription engraved on the idol mentions the name “Draunangridatta,” believed to have been a resident of ancient Shripur, present-day Sirpur. This further enhances the historical and cultural significance of the sculpture.
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The bronze idol of Avalokiteshvara is regarded as a living symbol of Chhattisgarh’s rich Buddhist tradition, ancient craftsmanship and cultural identity. Sirpur, which was once a major centre of Buddhist culture, architecture and art in ancient India, has yielded this sculpture as important evidence of the region’s historical prosperity.
State Government Begins Formal Process
In his letter, Culture Minister Mr. Rajesh Agrawal stated that the idol is not only an invaluable heritage of Chhattisgarh but also of India’s historical and Buddhist legacy. He urged the Central Government to complete all administrative and formal procedures through the Ministry of Culture and related agencies at the earliest and hand over the idol to the Chhattisgarh Government, so that it can be safely preserved at the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum and made available for public viewing, research scholars and history enthusiasts.
He further said that the historic artefact, which had reached foreign shores, is now returning to India, marking an extremely significant achievement in the protection of cultural heritage. The state government will ensure all necessary arrangements for the preservation, security and display of the idol so that this priceless heritage receives respect in accordance with its original identity and place of origin.
The return of the Avalokiteshvara idol is expected to become a milestone in restoring the lost cultural heritage of the state and giving Sirpur’s historical identity renewed prestige at both national and international levels.
