Raghav Chadha calls for return of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s royal throne from Britain

New Delhi: In a significant development, the central government has confirmed efforts to reclaim historical artifacts associated with Maharaja Ranjit Singh from abroad, following a campaign led by Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha. Chadha had raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha on July 24, urging the return of items, including the royal throne of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, currently housed in Britain.

In response, Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat acknowledged the government’s commitment to restoring India’s heritage. In a letter to Chadha, Shekhawat revealed that 358 historical artifacts have been repatriated since Independence, under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1972 and international agreements.

Shekhawat said that the government’s resolve to reclaim items lost during the British era but noted that foreign laws and policies pose challenges. Diplomatic channels, he assured, will be leveraged to secure the return of key artifacts, including those linked to Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Raghav Chadha hailed the government’s assurance as a victory for preserving India’s historical and cultural legacy.