An Introduction To The Laws Around Antiques In India

Indian antiquities law is governed by the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act of 1972, which prohibits the export of any antique object that is more than 100 years old without obtaining a valid export permit. The act also established the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as the primary regulatory body for the preservation and protection of antiquities in India.

The issue of stolen art and its journey to the west has been a persistent problem in India, as looters and traffickers have taken advantage of the country's rich cultural heritage to profit from the illegal trade in antiquities. Many valuable Indian antiquities have been stolen from temples, museums, and archaeological sites, and then smuggled out of the country to be sold on the international art market.