Demand for Return of Dhar's Vagdevi Idol Echoes at BRICS Forum

Demand for Return of Dhar's Vagdevi Idol Echoes at BRICS Forum

The Cliff News | Bhopal | August 9, 2026 An 11th-century idol, associated with the Bhojshala in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, is now the subject of national diplomacy and international discussions, with strong calls for its return from London's British Museum to India.

The Indian government is intensifying its diplomatic efforts for the repatriation of cultural heritage taken out of the country during the colonial era. In this context, the preservation of cultural heritage and the return of historical artefacts were prominent themes at the BRICS Culture Ministers meeting held in Bhopal.

This idol, identified as Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati) from Dhar's Bhojshala, has long been a focal point of the demand for its return to India. In May 2026, the Madhya Pradesh High Court delivered a significant verdict concerning the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque complex, recognizing the complex as a temple associated with Goddess Vagdevi. The issue of bringing the idol back from the British Museum was also raised in court, giving new impetus to this demand.

Historical Disagreements on the Idol's Identity

However, there are differing scholarly opinions regarding the identity of this historical idol. British Museum records describe this 11th-century statue as originating from Dhar and tentatively identify it as Goddess Ambika from the Jain tradition. Conversely, in India, it is widely considered to be an idol of Vagdevi or Goddess Saraswati, fueling strong demands for its return.

Interpretations of the inscriptions on the idol and its historical context also vary among scholars, further complicating the issue.

BRICS Forum Emphasizes Cultural Asset Repatriation

The BRICS Culture Ministers meeting in Bhopal in August 2026, held under India's presidency, placed special emphasis on the return of cultural objects forcibly or improperly removed from various countries during the colonial period. The meeting saw in-depth discussions among member states on preserving cultural heritage and enhancing mutual cooperation in this area.

The Indian delegation underscored the need for international cooperation mechanisms that can strengthen the process of identifying and returning statues, artefacts, and antiquities displaced from their original locations due to theft, smuggling, or colonial rule.

The case of the Dhar idol has become a significant symbol of this broader international effort, not only linked to the rich historical heritage of Madhya Pradesh but also representing India's policy of continuously striving to bring back ancient Indian treasures located abroad.

Hundreds of Ancient Artefacts Returned to India in Recent Years

It is noteworthy that India has successfully repatriated a large number of ancient idols and antiquities from abroad in recent years. Since 2014, hundreds of invaluable Indian artefacts, including statues from various periods, religious art objects, and items of historical significance, have returned to India from countries such as the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

India's approach is no longer limited to bilateral repatriation of antiquities; it is also focusing on developing a comprehensive and effective cooperation framework for the restitution of cultural property at an international level. Multilateral forums like BRICS have the potential to play a crucial role in this regard.

Complex and Challenging Case with Britain

The return of the Dhar Vagdevi idol is particularly significant and challenging because the process of returning historical objects from Britain often involves numerous legal, diplomatic, and historical aspects. This will necessitate a thorough examination of factors such as the idol's origin, historical proof of ownership, the circumstances of its arrival in Britain, historical documents from the relevant period, and applicable laws.

Therefore, the process of the idol's return will be more than just an administrative request or diplomatic plea. India will need to pursue a well-thought-out diplomatic and legal process in collaboration with British authorities and relevant cultural institutions, based on historical evidence and available proof. This process could be lengthy and complex, requiring extensive research and continuous diplomatic efforts.

The Question of Heritage: From Bhojshala to London

Dhar's Bhojshala, itself a significant center of historical, religious, and legal debates, now hopes for the return of its purportedly original idol, once considered a vital part of its identity. Following the recent verdict by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, the demand to bring back the original idol of Vagdevi has regained momentum.

Discussions at the BRICS cultural forum in Bhopal have now provided this demand with a broader international perspective, which could prove to be a significant milestone for India's cultural diplomacy. If an effective cooperation mechanism is established among BRICS nations for the identification, proper documentation, preservation, and eventual restitution of cultural assets, it will not only accelerate the efforts to return the Dhar idol but also pave the way for the repatriation of other Indian antiquities scattered across the globe.

This could become a crucial part of India's broader campaign to reclaim its historical and cultural heritage, further strengthening India's cultural identity.