The 11th-century Anaimangalam Chola copper plates
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Senior DMK leader and former Minister for Archaeology Thangam Thennarasu has made a strong case for bringing the Anaimangalam copper plates to Tamil Nadu, saying the State was the true home of the historically significant artefacts.
“The Union government should ensure that these copper plates are brought to Tamil Nadu and handed over to the State government. The Government of Tamil Nadu too must, without delay, undertake appropriate efforts in this regard and ensure that they are brought back to their motherland,” he said.
The plates, in possession of Leiden University in the Netherlands since 1862, were presented on May 16 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to The Hague.
Recalling the efforts taken by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, led by M.K. Stalin, in bringing the copper plates back to the country, Mr. Thennarasu said the government had assured the Legislative Assembly that necessary steps would be taken for the purpose.
“We continuously pressed the Union government on this matter. The combined and sustained efforts of everyone have today yielded this fruitful outcome,” he said.
Mr. Thennarasu said the plates were not merely archaeological artefacts, but enduring testimonies to the history, culture, and glory of the Chola Empire of the Tamils.
“I demand that these heritage treasures be preserved among the people of Tamil Nadu, who remain deeply connected to their history, and displayed in a manner that allows the public to view them,” he said.
Published – May 18, 2026 12:13 pm IST
