Chandigarh’s heritage chairs withdrawn from Paris auction after MEA intervention: Here’s why

Chandigarh’s Heritage Chairs Withdrawn from Paris Auction After MEA Intervention

Theindiapostdaily.com – Two heritage chairs tied to Chandigarh’s historical architecture were removed from an upcoming Paris auction following diplomatic efforts by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The decision came after Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria directed the ministry to act, prompting urgent international intervention. The Chandigarh administration, led by Culture Department Chief Secretary H Rajesh Prasad, had initially raised concerns about the proposed sale.

The MEA confirmed the chairs were taken off the auction list after the Indian Embassy in France intervened. Officials stated that the Embassy’s actions helped secure the withdrawal, which the Chandigarh authorities hailed as a significant victory in safeguarding the city’s cultural legacy. “The items concerned have been withdrawn from the auction following the Embassy’s intervention,” a statement from the administration noted on June 24.

“This marks a major success in protecting Chandigarh’s heritage,” the administration added, expressing gratitude to the MEA, French Embassy, and other entities for their swift support.

The chairs in question are linked to public institutions in Chandigarh. One teak-and-cane armchair, attributed to Pierre Jeanneret, features the marking ‘PU Chem/55,’ connecting it to Panjab University’s Chemistry Department. The second chair, marked ‘PGI/W/CH-0202,’ is associated with PGIMER Chandigarh. These markings suggest a direct institutional link, fueling suspicions of illegal export.

Chandigarh’s heritage chairs are part of its modernist architectural identity, shaped by the vision of Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret. As the city’s Capitol Complex holds UNESCO World Heritage status, preserving such artifacts is deemed crucial for both national and global cultural preservation.

Context of the Dispute

The auction, scheduled for June 24, aimed to sell the chairs for €5,000–€7,000 and €4,000–€5,000. The Chandigarh administration argued that the items were unlawfully removed and trafficked abroad, despite a 2011 ban on their sale and export by the Union Home Ministry. Over the past decade, more than 50 heritage artifacts have been auctioned internationally, with nearly ₹30 crore in sales reported.

Following the withdrawal, the Chandigarh Police registered two FIRs on June 23 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The cases focus on the alleged theft, illegal export, and trafficking of the furniture. Authorities emphasized that the chairs are not just decorative objects but integral to Chandigarh’s architectural history.

What Makes Chandigarh Chairs Unique?

Chandigarh chairs are celebrated for their minimalist design and use of local materials. Crafted from teak wood and hand-woven cane, they were originally intended for public buildings in the city. Their inverted V-shaped legs and streamlined form have made them a symbol of mid-century modernist craftsmanship. The dispute highlights the importance of ensuring these iconic pieces remain accessible to the public and protected from foreign acquisition.