'Joyous Moment For Every Indian': PM Modi Hails Return Of Chola Copper Plates From Netherlands

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced that a rare set of Chola Copper Plates dating back to the 11th century will be repatriated from the Netherlands to India, describing it as a “joyous moment for every Indian”.

Sharing the development on social media, Modi said he participated in the ceremony marking the return of the historic artefacts during his visit to the Netherlands. The copper plates had been preserved at Leiden University 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

“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,” Modi wrote.

The Prime Minister said the Chola Copper Plates consist of 21 large plates and three smaller plates containing inscriptions largely in Tamil. According to Modi, the artefacts record a commitment made by Chola ruler Rajendra Chola I in memory of his father, King Rajaraja I, and also reflect the achievements of the Chola Empire, including its culture and maritime strength.

“We in India are immensely proud of the Cholas, their culture and their maritime prowess,” Modi said.

He thanked the Dutch government and Leiden University for preserving the plates and facilitating their return. “I thank the Government of the Netherlands and Leiden University in particular, where the Copper Plates were kept since the mid-19th century,” he added.

The return of the Chola-era artefacts comes as India continues efforts to recover historical objects and cultural treasures housed overseas. The Chola dynasty, which ruled large parts of southern India between the 9th and 13th centuries, is regarded as one of the most influential empires in Indian history and is known for its administrative systems, temple architecture and maritime trade networks.