Stolen Gods: The Afterlife of Empire in British Museum

A talk on the colonial plunder of India’s sacred artefacts and their continued captivity in British museums. Drawing on visits to institutions like the British Museum, V&A, and Pitt Rivers, Bhatia uncovers how empire institutionalised theft as preservation, turning gods into trophies. With vivid case studies — from the Amaravati sculptures to Tipu Sultan’s throne and the Chola bronzes — he explores the moral, legal, and emotional urgency of restitution. Moving beyond critique, Bhatia envisions a “Museum of Returned Memory” in India and calls for ethical partnerships, transparency, and healing. This talk challenges historical denial with clarity, dignity, and hope.

Speaker: Shyam Bhatia, foreign correspondent and author whose work spans conflict zones, diplomacy, and colonial legacies. His latest research focuses on colonial-era looting and the afterlife of empire in British museums.

Chair: Dr. BR Mani, Former Director General, National Museum