Renowned archaeologist Dr. KK Muhammed sheds light on the recent issue of Antique Fraud and the lack of public understanding in analysing the authenticity of historical artefacts.
In his talk with ARPO, he talks about Antique laws and legislation in India and numerous popular misconceptions about artefact dealings. Dr. Muhammed emphasises the proper steps to confer an historical object with artefact status, and that they are governed by laws and regulations, and a series of legal processes.
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The Archaeological Survey of India, situated in New Delhi, is the foremost authority to deal with Antiques registration. ASI say that an object should be older than 100 years, and there must be a proper source and a clear way of acquisition for this artefact, if it is to be called an artefact.
The process of antiquity registration
Any historical subject intending to be classified as an antiquity should first be registered with ASI. The registration officer must check the claim or form an advisory body to authenticate the source and verify it. Before starting the documentation, one must declare the source of acquisition and the means of procurement. This registration is used to clarify the authenticity of antiques.
There is a clear-cut distinction between antiquity and non-antiquity, and non-antiquity can be exported with proper certification.
Many forged items circulate in the market, and every country has strict laws to protect their heritage and archaeology. Dr. Muhammed also mentions that there is no law in India that forbids the replication of artefacts, and all archaeologists call for stronger laws to preserve the credibility of antiques.
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