i would request members to hold their emotions. return of such treasures are not a simple task. the Famous London Nataraja case is a fantastic front runner. That he could be brought back is based on the strong case and the evidences presented. in the current instance, we unfortunately have no clear or even circumstantial evidence to even date this bronze. So lets focus ours on this first.
I used to be emotional on this earlier but it makes more sense to keep them there as such, if it was not taken in the past few years. Its the philosophy that is critical, I know that british museum shows the nataraja in a good light and is definitely promoting the word across to a wide range of audience.
Shiva and his tathuvam (Nataraja is a concept / energy force) is not alien to us, but to many outside, him being in TN is not going to make a big difference but him showing his source here, does make a difference.
Unless it is of irreplaceable value, like the Kohinoor.
Ideally we should install a moorthy as a nayanmar than one on Road - we should take it up on a positive note with epigraphical proof. But i know that will open a pandora box in other monuments. Then people will start like install Vakdevi back, allow worship in Srinivasanallur etc etc. ASI will not agree.
The only other possibility is - One in Chennai along with Rajendra - Father son duo- in a thematic fashion - like Gandhi's Dandi yatra statue in delhi, Thyagaraja statue in Hyderabad
if you think as 'Idol ' - yes... Deivam endral athu deivam. Once the 'God' is moved out of the energy incantation spot, it becomes a stone, then it does not matter if its on the front yard or a library or museum.