Relevance:
Germany has returned 20 Benin Bronzes that were looted in the 19th century after an agreement signed with Germany by Nigeria to transfer the ownership of around 1,100 Benin Bronzes.
About Benin Bronze:
- A group of over 3,000 sculptures and artworks (16th Century) from the ancient Kingdom of Benin in present-day Nigeria.
- They were looted by British colonial forces during the infamous raid on Benin City in 1897.
- Several of these pieces were specially commissioned for the kings or Obas, and Queen Mothers of the kingdom.
- Importance –
- Provide insight into the culture of the Benin Kingdom.
- They point to the kingdom’s relationship with Europeans.
Knowledge ‘+’:
Koh-i-Noor diamond:
- Mined in: Present-day Andhra Pradesh.
- It was acquired by Queen Victoria in 1849, following the 2nd Anglo-Sikh war.
- The diamond was taken by the British after the signing of the Last Treaty of Lahore.
- The Lahore treaty held between Lord Dalhousie and Maharaja Duleep Singh in 1849, Kohinoor diamond was surrendered by the Maharaja of Lahore to the Queen of England.
Reference: Indian express
