June issue of ART news & views released

Indian Antiquities and Art Treasure

The Indian Antiquities and Art Treasure Act of 1972 are presently under consideration of being amended. This would be a welcome decision as the present act has destroyed the legitimate domestic trade in antiquities thereby making smuggling an attractive option. More than 50% of all our public museums which is the home to the bulk of nation’s artistic patrimony are without any reputed scholars to head the various departments. It is seriously hoped that the government frees antiquities and art treasures from the bureaucracy and they become objects to cherish and not to shun. With details required for registration of objects more than 100 years old, 75 years in the case of textiles such as purchaser, seller, price and photo documentation has made antiquities that people with right earnest would prefer to stay away from. The amendment would definitely gain and  develop greater interest in our heritage.