Glasgow’s museums have confirmed to return India seven ancient artefacts, including a stone door jamb stolen from a Hindu temple in Uttar Pradesh. An arrangement for the same was formalised on Friday at a transfer of ownership ceremony at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

The museums of Glasgow are run by a charitable organisation named Glasgow Life. The seven antiquities include a 14th-century Indo-Persian sword and an 11th-century carved stone door jamb taken from a temple in Kanpur.

The ceremony witnessed the presence of Sujit Ghosh, acting Indian High Commissioner to the UK. Delighted, he said that partnership with Glasgow Life has resulted in a big decision to restitute Indian artefacts from Glasgow museums to India. He further said that these artefacts are integral to India’s civilisational heritage.

As per Glasgow Life, most of the objects were stolen from temples and shrines in different states of northern India during the 19th century and subsequently gifted to Glasgow’s collections. One was, however, purchased following a theft from the owner.

After the ceremony concluded, the representatives of the Government of India and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) got the opportunity to view safely stored artefacts at Glasgow Museums Resource Centre.