The Berlin State Museums have finalized the repatriation of a significant 12th-century Kalachuri-era sandstone sculpture of the Jain deity Surya (the Sun God). The artifact, which had been in a German collection since the 1960s, was identified as having been illegally removed from a temple complex in the Bilaspur district. The return was facilitated by the '2025 Cultural Assets Act,' which mandates the restitution of artifacts with dubious provenance from former colonial and post-colonial conflict zones.
The sculpture is praised by art historians for its intricate geometric halo and the rare depiction of seven horses pulling the solar chariot in a regional Kalachuri style. Indian heritage officials stated that the return marks a significant step in the 'Project Vidya' initiative, which seeks to restore the religious and cultural integrity of Central Indian temple sites. The icon will be housed in a new climate-controlled wing of the Raipur State Museum.