HK Patil | Photo credit: K. MURALI KUMAR
Nearly 50 years after a rare collection of artefacts from the Karnataka heritage town of Lakkundi was handed over to the Centre, Tourism Minister HK Patil has launched efforts to bring them back from the National Museum in Delhi.
The artefacts were formally handed over in October 1976 by DK Hebboor and TK Nayak to the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, after which they were placed in the safe custody of the National Museum.
Mr. Patil said he had begun the process of seeking the return of more than 150 artefacts currently on display at the National Museum in Delhi. The move gained momentum after his recent visit to the National Museum, where he inspected the collection and held discussions with the museum authorities about its preservation, documentation and the possibility of its return for public display in Karnataka, with Lakkundi itself emerging as the proposed final destination.
The collection includes ancient weapons, gold and silver coins, jewellery, inscriptions and manuscripts associated with the historic city in Gadag district.
Mr. Patil said the government was currently exploring both legal and administrative avenues to ensure their return. The process is expected to involve consultations with the Union Ministry of Culture, the National Museum Authority and the Archaeological Survey of India.
The first phase will involve establishing a formal institutional dialogue with the Center to determine the legal status of the artifacts, verify ownership records and examine archival documents related to their transfer nearly five decades ago. The exercise will also require a review of the provisions of antiquities and cultural heritage laws governing the safekeeping and relocation of protected objects.
Published – 15 May 2026 19:14 IST
