Nearly 50 years after a rare collection of artefacts from Karnataka’s heritage town of Lakkundi was handed over to the Centre, Minister for Tourism H.K. Patil has initiated efforts to bring them back from the National Museum in New Delhi.

The artefacts were formally handed over in October 1976 by D.K. Hebboor and T.K. Nayak to then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, following which they were placed under the National Museum’s protected custody.

Mr. Patil said he has begun the process of seeking the return of more than 150 artefacts currently showcased at the National Museum in New Delhi. The move gathered momentum after his recent visit to the National Museum, where he reviewed the collection and held discussions with museum authorities on its preservation, documentation and the possibility of returning it for public exhibition in Karnataka, with Lakkundi itself emerging as the proposed final destination. 

The collection includes ancient weapons, gold and silver coins, jewellery, inscriptions and manuscripts linked to the historic town in Gadag district.

Mr. Patil said the government is currently exploring both legal and administrative routes to secure their return. The process is expected to involve consultations with the Union Ministry of Culture, the National Museum administration and the Archaeological Survey of India.

The first stage will involve establishing formal institutional dialogue with the Centre to determine the legal status of the artefacts, verify ownership records and examine archival documents related to their transfer nearly five decades ago. The exercise will also require a review of provisions under antiquities and heritage conservation laws that govern the custody and relocation of protected objects.