Kathmandu. An artifact of significant archaeological importance stolen from Kumari Ghar, the home of the Living Goddess in Kathmandu, has been successfully brought back from the United Kingdom.
The Department of Archaeology, in collaboration with heritage activists both inside and outside Nepal, retrieved the Toran, a decorative craft dating back to the Malla era, which had been stolen from Kumari Ghar in 2057 BS. The artifact has now been restored to its original location.
According to Department officer Sarita Subedi, international law allows the return of cultural heritage items held abroad once the necessary legal procedures are completed. When authorities receive information that a stolen artifact of archaeological value has been located in another country, the process to reclaim it is initiated.
The country holding the artifact bears the transportation costs, while Nepali communities abroad and heritage activists help facilitate its return to Nepal.
