As an enthusiast of Ancient Indian History, Temples, and Iconography, I’m actively in search of books related to Indian heritage and culture. I came across the book “The Idol Thief” through an event conducted by “Sangam Talks”, where the author Mr.Vijay Kumar, sharing the stage with Mr. Sanjeev Sanyal, gave an overview of the loot of these precious idols. At that time, the author’s views and the catchy title compelled my inner teen to get hold of the book.
“The Idol Thief” is a non-fiction book that tells the true story of how a group of people, including smugglers, stole priceless artefacts from India and smuggled them out of the country. It’s ironic to see the same people of the nation are divided by their intentions and mottos when it comes to preserving their heritage and the legacy, handed down by our ancestors. Some are ready to trade the idols picturing our gods, while the priests, various sects of devotees, and commonly uncommon people, sacrifice their whole lives to protect, serve and worship their beloved deity manifested in those inanimate stone and metal idols. During the process of solving the mystery of the missing idols and sculptures, the author himself received threats from various individuals. Despite facing many setbacks, Mr.Vijay’s unwavering passion for the mission to bring back our gods led him to expose the illegal trade nexus of our artefacts. He says, “When the gods decide to come home they will choose the time and vehicle for their return. I am but one such vehicle assisting their homecoming”.
Subash Kapoor (The main culprit) and his other companions, Sanjeevi Ashokan, Shantoo, and others, are the partners in crime in this Idol looting racket. The lethal partnership of Subash Kapoor and Sanjeevi proved to be the biggest heist of Chola bronzes, forever etched in history.
This book expounds on the various roles of the individuals, and higher authorities of both the Indian and US law enforcement agencies in bursting this racket and homebringing of our cultural treasures. It is an immersive read where the readers come across various terminologies, and laws and also gain exposure about the diverse organisations, and agencies that came together to uncover this illegal business. Readers can understand the techniques, actions and mindset of the authorities and thieves, each driven by their own motives.
It is a must-read book for those who have an affinity towards Indian history, and heritage and are keen on investigating the mystery of idol trafficking. There are photographs and illustrations of the cultural antiques and other proofs to support the statements made in the book.
The author dedicates this masterpiece to all the unknown artists, sculptors, and unsung heroes who have created and protected various inanimate artefacts of their deities, often putting their lives at stake. Each of these artefacts has its own unique past to tell. Mr.Vijay beautifully articulates, ” In the face of a hostile enemy, the temple custodians secured their gods by burying them in the soil for later retrieval……But despite the torture and the threat of death, they chose to keep the location of their gods secret. Such was their valour and supreme sacrifice, an act of ultimate defiance”.
This book is published in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam by Juggernaut Publishing House. Readers can also access the Kindle version on Amazon. To support individuals like Mr.Vijay and others who are contributing to this cause, please follow India Pride Project and PoetryinStone.in.
Link to buy the book: https://amzn.to/3N4PPsy
Dr Dinesh Soni