The Attorney-General's Department in Australia has confirmed receiving a request from the Government of India under the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 (PMCH Act) for the return of the Shiva Nataraja idol.
This object was purchased by the National Gallery of Australia.
The request states that the statue was exported from India in contravention of cultural property laws, namely India's Antiquity and Art Treasures Act 1972.
"Australia is a signatory to the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. Our obligations are implemented through the PMCH Act and the Indian Government's request is being actioned in accordance with that Act," a statement released through the Australian High Commission in New Delhi said.
It further stated: "The National Gallery of Australia is continuing its cooperation with the department to fulfil Australia's international commitments and has voluntarily removed the statue from display. More information on the PMCH Act can be found at www.arts.gov.
