The pillage of Bengal's ancient history

The economy in this small, nondescript pocket of rural Bengal is booming. And not due to a miraculous leap in agricultural yield but the highly lucrative business of smuggling priceless antiques, including ivory and gold objects, and exquisite terracotta art, out of the country. Located 40 kilometres northwest of Calcutta (India), Chandraketugarh is a treasure trove of antiques, some dating back to 650 BCE. These are being dug up by locals who form the first link in international gangs of smugglers. There has been little effort to prevent the looting of this rich archaeological site, which has been going on for at least two decades now. The find tells the story of a rich urban civilisation that was once a centre of maritime trade dating to sixth century BCE.