Historian Proposes Artifact Repatriation as Reparation for Colonialism

A Historian's Perspective

A recent Oxfam report suggested that Western nations, including Britain, should provide former colonies with at least £4 trillion annually in reparations and "climate debt." This figure, based on estimates by Indian economists Utsa and Prabhat Patnaik, represents the wealth extracted from India by the richest 10% in the UK between 1765 and 1900.

While the report's call for financial reparations has sparked debate, historian Rana Safvi offers a different perspective. She argues that instead of focusing on monetary compensation, which she deems impractical and potentially divisive, Britain should prioritize the return of looted artifacts.

Safvi highlights the vast collections of artifacts from India and other former colonies housed in Western museums. These treasures, she argues, were unjustly acquired and should be repatriated to their rightful owners. This act of restitution, she believes, is both achievable and necessary.

Safvi's suggestion resonates with the report's broader message about addressing the legacy of colonialism. Oxfam argues that colonialism enriched the wealthy while exploiting marginalized groups, contributing to the deep inequality that persists today. To achieve true equality and end poverty, the report calls for systemic reforms targeting the wealthiest individuals and corporations, along with reparations for colonial exploitation.

While the debate surrounding reparations continues, Safvi's proposal offers a concrete step towards acknowledging and addressing the historical injustices inflicted by colonialism. The return of looted artifacts would not only symbolize a commitment to restorative justice but also serve as a tangible reminder of the human cost of colonial exploitation.