Press Release – Handover of the Josef Peter Rindfleisch Collection of Historical Documents of Nepal to the National Archives of Nepal
02 October 2026
_z2d0DwXYXo_vjx1gvx_c2tRo5fZW2_dwouxxg.png)
Press Release
Handover of the Josef Peter Rindfleisch Collection of Historical Documents of Nepal to the National Archives of Nepal
Hon. Mr Shisir Khanal, Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended, as Chief Guest, the handover ceremony of the Josef Peter Rindfleisch Collection of Historical Documents of Nepal to the National Archives of Nepal this morning.
On the occasion, the historical collection comprising more than 800 historical Nepali manuscripts and documents dating from the 13th to the 20th century was formally handed over to Hon. Minister Khanal by Prof. Dr Axel Michaels of the Heidelberg University and the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities.
In his address, Hon. Minister Khanal highlighted the importance of the return of the historical manuscripts to Nepal as a milestone in the preservation, protection and promotion of Nepal’s written cultural heritage. He commended the efforts of Prof. Dr. Axel Michaels of the Heidelberg University, the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities, the Embassy of Nepal in Berlin, scholars, researchers and institutions involved in the process of the repatriation of the valuable artefacts.
The Hon. Minister further reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of Nepal to repatriating the historical antiquities from around the world in the days ahead.
The ceremony also featured the remarks by Mr Ram Bahadur Kunwar, Director General of the National Archives; Prof. Dr Axel Michaels; and H.E. Mr Udo Eugen Volz, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nepal. The event was also attended by senior officials of the Government of Nepal, scholars, researchers, cultural experts and media representatives.
This event was jointly organized by the National Archives Nepal, Heidelberg Centre for Transcultural Studies, Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities, and Saraf Foundation.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Singhdurbar, Kathmandu
02 October 2026
_EulIodqmpO_trw65vz_XQoz5I9J0E_cwxqjse.png.370x245_q70_crop.jpg
)
