On May 16, 2026,the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi,received historic Anaimangalam copper-plate charter,known as the Leiden plates, from Leiden University in the Netherlands. This significant event took place in The Hague, marking a moment of triumph for scholars and historians dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Chola dynasty.
The Leiden plates,which weigh approximately 30 kg, have been held by the university since 1862. They are considered crucial for understanding 11th-century South Indian history. Unlike the thousands of stone inscriptions that document the Chola era,copper-plate grants are rare,making these artifacts invaluable. K. Muniratham, Director of Epigraphy at the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI),emphasized the importance of the plates, stating they provide living evidence of Chola administration,land grants, and maritime connections.
The journey to reclaim the plates was lengthy and complex,spanning over 14 years. Muniratham noted that real effort began in 2024 when UNESCO requested a dossier on Leiden plates. Working alongside epigraphist S. Swaminathan,he established the plates' provenance, demonstrating their rightful ownership by Tamil Nadu . The ASI's efforts included a video presentation that helped persuade Dutch authorities to return the artifacts.
Scholars believe the plates were likely excavated during the Dutch East India Company's redevelopment of Nagapattinam between 1687 and 1700 . They were buried for protection during a tumultuous period and later brought to the Netherlands by Florentius Camper in 1712. The plates contain inscriptions that reveal significant interactions between the Chola kings and Southeast Asian rulers,including grant made by Rajaraja Chola I in 1006 CE to the Sailendra king,Sri Mara Vijayotunga Varman of Srivijaya, for the construction of a Buddhist vihara in Nagapattinam.
These inscriptions also document endowment of land and resources for the vihara's maintenance,showcasing the Chola dynasty's extensive maritime links and cultural exchanges. Y. Subbarayalu, scholar of Chola history, highlighted the importance of these plates as they testify to the strong international ties between South India and Southeast Asia.
The Leiden plates consist of two sets: the larger set includes 16 Tamil plates and five in Sanskrit,inscribed in Grantha script. inscriptions on these plates are not merely historical records; they reflect the civilizational confidence of the Chola age. R. Balasubramanian,a former curator at the Government Museum in Chennai, remarked on the significance of copper plate inscriptions, which have been unearthed in various locations,often by farmers or during renovations.
Interestingly,the plates also reveal a gap in the customary practice of inscribing royal commands. While Rajaraja's decree was not engraved on the plates during his reign,it was later added by his son,Rajendra Chola I, after his father's passing . This detail, along with the Tamil inscription of "Anaimangalam" on the connecting ring of larger plates,underscores the plates' authenticity and historical value.
The return of Leiden plates is a significant achievement for Indian historians and archaeologists, who have successfully brought back 155 artifacts over the last 13 years. As the plates join the rich tapestry of Chola history, they serve as a reminder of the enduring legacy of one of South India's most influential dynasties.
