Centuries-Old Paubha Paintings Repatriated from the US

Three Paubha paintings, estimated to be around 550 years old and belonging to Keshchandra Mahavihar in Itumbahal, Kathmandu, have been returned to Nepal from the United States. These sacred scroll paintings, along with 17 other idols, were brought back on Sunday through the efforts of the Newa: Guthi New York.

At a press conference held in Kathmandu, Pragya Ratna Shakya, Chairperson of the Keshchandra Mahavihar Conservation Society, announced that the repatriated artifacts would be on public display for 15 days during the Gunla festival. He emphasized the need for these culturally and religiously significant Paubhas to be reinstated at Keshchandra Mahavihar and called on the government to ensure proper security and infrastructure for their protection. The paintings were stolen from the Mahavihar premises on September 14, 1980.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol expressed her happiness over the return of these historic artifacts and assured continued support for their preservation.

Bijaya Man Singh, President of Newa: Guthi New York, credited the successful repatriation to years of dedicated efforts, tracing the missing artwork, and coordinating with various agencies. He was honored with a letter of appreciation from the Conservation Society for his role in the campaign.

Initially, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had expressed concerns when Nepal formally requested the return of the stolen artifacts. However, the process gained momentum after intervention by the District Attorney of New York, with support from organizations such as Newa: Guthi New York, Lost Art of Nepal, and the Nepal Heritage Recovery Campaign.

The returned Paubha paintings depict ‘Chintamani Lokeshwar,’ ‘Bhairav Darshan of Keshchandra Aju,’ and ‘Gagan Singh and His Two Wives.’ Their repatriation marks a significant victory in Nepal’s ongoing efforts to recover lost cultural heritage.