Stephen Harper returns 900-yr-old Khajuraho temple sculpture to Narendra Modi

Ottawa, April 16: A 900-year-old piece of sculpture from Khajuraho temple, which had somehow reached Canada, was returned by Prime Minister Stephen Harper when his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi met him here.

The sculpture, known as 'Parrot Lady', was handed over by Harper to Modi yesterday in accordance with 1970 UNESCO Convention.

The handing over took place in Canadian Parliament Library which Modi visited after his talks with Harper.

"Canada returns Indian heritage piece -'Parrot Lady'. PM @narendramodi receives sandstone sculpture from Khajuraho," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin tweeted

. @patishapta Sculpture dates back to 12th century. Being returned in accordance with 1970 UNESCO Convention. pic.twitter.com/2P3fXUcxdC

— Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) April 15, 2015

The stone sculpture, meant to be in UNESCO-protected Khajuraho, depicts a dancer with a parrot on her back.

The valuable antique piece surfaced in Canada in 2011 when it was found in possession of a person who did not have proper documents and it was seized, according to reports.

The Canadian authorities then contacted their Indian counterparts, following which discussions started on returning it.

PTI