TN team meets Modi to get back Rajaraja statu

Chances of getting back the 11th century bronze statue believed to be that of great Chola king Rajaraja I from a private museum in Ahmedabad brightened after a high-level team from Tamil Nadu, led by school education minister Thangam Thennarasu, made a direct representation to Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi and museum authorities in this regard.

A day after calling on Modi and apprising him of the significance and sensitivities attached to the Chola statue, the team visited the Calico Museum of Textiles on Tuesday and handed over a letter written by chief minister M Karunanidhi, requesting the museum authorities to "gift" the statue to the state.

With Tamil Nadu set to celebrate later this month the millennium of the world famous 'Brahadeeswarar Temple' (Big Temple) built by Rajaraja I, there has been a popular demand that the government should get back the statue from the museum, managed by Sarabhai Foundation - a charitable trust.

The bronze statue, which according to temple inscriptions was made by Thennavan Moovendha Velan - the chief administrative officer of the Big Temple - during the lifetime of Rajaraja I (circa 1010 AD), was acquired in 1940s by trust founder Gautam Sarabhai. A statue of his queen, Lokamadevi, is also a prized possession of the museum.

The team, which also comprised state tourism secretary V Irai Anbu, renowned archaeologist Dr R Nagaswamy and historian Kudavayil Balasubramaniyan, met Sarabhai Foundation's managing trustee Gita Sarabhai and made a direct request, besides seeking Modi's help to resolve the issue.

Calico Museum director D S Mehta told The Times of India that "the team from Tamil Nadu met our managing trustee and gave a letter written by the chief minister. However, we've asked them to give us some evidences in writing to prove that the statue is that of the Rajaraja Chola."

"Once they provide us evidence by archaeologists, we will place it before our trustees and consultants for discussion and take a decision. Unless and until they give the evidence in writing, we cannot comment on the issue," he said. EOM