Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that the 11th-century Chola Copper Plates will soon return to India from the Netherlands. He described the development as a proud and joyous moment for the country.
“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,” PM Modi wrote on X.
The Prime Minister said the collection consists of 21 large plates and three smaller plates containing inscriptions primarily in Tamil. He said the plates relate to Rajendra Chola I, formalising an oral commitment made by his father, King Rajaraja I, and reflect the greatness of the Chola dynasty.
PM Modi also thanked the Netherlands government and Leiden University for preserving the copper plates 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
Earlier in the day, PM Modi met the Netherlands King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima at the Royal Palace Huis ten Bosch in The Hague.
Met His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima at the Royal Palace. It was wonderful exchanging perspectives on boosting India-Netherlands friendship across key sectors like technology, innovation, sustainable growth, commerce and water resources. India and… pic.twitter.com/BmY5fDxY9t
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2026
The Prime Minister is visiting the Netherlands to deepen bilateral ties and advance a Strategic Partnership between the two countries. This marks PM Modi’s second visit to the Netherlands.
Also Read: PM Modi Meets Dutch King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima In The Hague
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