Chandigarh Heritage Furniture Withdrawn From Paris Auction After India Steps In

Heritage furniture linked to Chandigarh was withdrawn from a scheduled Paris auction on June 25 after urgent intervention by Indian authorities, following concerns raised over the listing of culturally significant artefacts associated with the city’s modernist architectural legacy.

Officials said the Chandigarh Administration acted swiftly on directions of Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria , who directed that the matter be taken up immediately with the Centre. “The administration took up the issue with the Ministry of External Affairs on an urgent basis after learning about the proposed auction,” officials said.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) then coordinated diplomatic efforts, with the Embassy of India in France engaging with auction authorities. According to officials, “the items were withdrawn from the auction following efforts by the Embassy of India in France,” confirming the successful intervention before the scheduled sale.

The Culture Department of the Chandigarh Administration, under Chief Secretary H. Rajesh Prasad, oversaw the coordination process with central agencies. The administration described the outcome as a significant achievement in protecting the city’s cultural assets. “This is a major success in safeguarding Chandigarh’s heritage,” officials said, thanking the MEA and the Indian mission in France for timely action.

The furniture is linked to Chandigarh’s post-independence Capitol Project and is widely associated with Swiss-French architect Pierre Jeanneret. Many of these pieces were originally designed for government institutions and are considered part of the city’s architectural identity.

Officials also acknowledged that the issue is not isolated. “We will continue to take all necessary steps for verification, recovery and repatriation of heritage items,” the administration said, indicating ongoing monitoring of similar listings appearing in international auctions.

Authorities are now working on strengthening preventive mechanisms and documentation systems to track Chandigarh’s heritage assets and prevent unauthorised overseas trade. The administration reiterated its commitment to preserving the city’s cultural and architectural legacy.