NEW DELHI: Three artefacts of cultural significance – a ceremonial bronze trident of Goddess Bhadrakali, a granite idol of sacred bull Nandi and a basalt sculpture depicting six-headed Karttikeya – originally from temples in Tamil Nadu are set to be repatriated to India from Australia.PM Narendra Modi and counterpart Anthony Albanese welcomed the voluntary return of the artefacts – dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries – from National Gallery of Australia and Art Gallery of New South Wales. Albanese also welcomed the move to repatriate the remains of ‘Australian First Nations ancestor’ from Govt Museum of Chennai.The trident with Goddess Bhadrakali’s image was crafted in the South Indian temple ritual metalwork tradition. It originated from Sri Kasiviswanathaswamy Temple in Kollumangudi. The Nandi idol from the same temple was sculpted in the Tamil Shaiva temple tradition, featuring compact proportions and ornamental detailing. The idol of the six-headed Karttikeya (Shanmukha) was carved in the Chola period sculptural tradition. It originated from Naganathsamy Temple in Thanjavur district.
