Ancient Buddha relics returned to India after $13 million auction is canceled

Guardian

‘A joyous day’: India celebrates return of ancient gems linked to the Buddha

Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha Return Home to India

Reuters

Buddhist Gem Collection Returns India After 127 Years 2025 07 31

South China Morning Post

Ancient Buddhist gems returned to India after their Hong Kong auction stopped

BBC News

Piprahwa relics: Sotheby's returns Buddha jewels to India after uproar

Firstpost

Ancient Buddha gems put up for auction return to India after 127 years. Why are they significant?

Artnet News

Sacred Buddha Gems Pulled From Sotheby’s Sale Are Returned to India

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The Piprahwa Gems, a collection of 334 ancient gemstones linked to Buddha's remains, have been returned to India after 127 years through a purchase by Godrej Industries Group from Sotheby's auction house.</span

The Piprahwa Gems, a collection of 334 ancient gemstones linked to Buddha's remains, have been returned to India after 127 years through a purchase by Godrej Industries Group from Sotheby's auction house.

The gems were originally discovered in 1898 by British colonial landowner William Claxton Peppé on his estate in Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh, and were buried in a stupa around 240-200 BC alongside Buddha's cremated remains.</span

The Artnewspaper

The gems were originally discovered in 1898 by British colonial landowner William Claxton Peppé on his estate in Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh, and were buried in a stupa around 240-200 BC alongside Buddha's cremated remains.

Sotheby's postponed the planned May auction in Hong Kong after India's Ministry of Culture threatened legal action and demanded repatriation, claiming the sale violated Indian and international cultural heritage laws.</span

Sotheby's postponed the planned May auction in Hong Kong after India's Ministry of Culture threatened legal action and demanded repatriation, claiming the sale violated Indian and international cultural heritage laws.

The collection includes precious stones such as amethysts, topaz, garnets, pearls, coral, and gold sheets worked into pendants and ornaments, with an estimated auction value of HK$100 million ($12.9 million).</span

The collection includes precious stones such as amethysts, topaz, garnets, pearls, coral, and gold sheets worked into pendants and ornaments, with an estimated auction value of HK$100 million ($12.9 million).

Most of the original 1,800 artifacts from Peppé's excavation are housed at the Indian Museum in Kolkata, while Peppé was allowed to retain approximately 20% of the collection which remained with his descendants.</span

Most of the original 1,800 artifacts from Peppé's excavation are housed at the Indian Museum in Kolkata, while Peppé was allowed to retain approximately 20% of the collection which remained with his descendants.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the return on Wednesday, stating the gems will be formally unveiled in a special ceremony and placed on permanent public display in India.</span

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the return on Wednesday, stating the gems will be formally unveiled in a special ceremony and placed on permanent public display in India.

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The Peppé family acted as responsible custodians for over a century, preserving these invaluable artifacts when they could have been lost or damaged. The transparent auction process represented the fairest method to transfer custody to those who truly value the gems' significance. The family explored donation options but found them problematic, making the sale the most practical solution to ensure the relics reach appropriate caretakers.

The Peppé family acted as responsible custodians for over a century, preserving these invaluable artifacts when they could have been lost or damaged. The transparent auction process represented the fairest method to transfer custody to those who truly value the gems' significance. The family explored donation options but found them problematic, making the sale the most practical solution to ensure the relics reach appropriate caretakers.

Ancient Buddha Gems Return to India After 127 Years

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This repatriation represents a triumph of cultural justice over colonial exploitation. The gems were taken during British rule under dubious legal frameworks like the 1878 Indian Treasure Trove Act, and their planned auction would have perpetuated the commodification of sacred Buddhist relics. The successful intervention demonstrates India's commitment to reclaiming its stolen heritage and protecting artifacts of immense spiritual significance to 500 million Buddhists worldwide.

This repatriation represents a triumph of cultural justice over colonial exploitation. The gems were taken during British rule under dubious legal frameworks like the 1878 Indian Treasure Trove Act, and their planned auction would have perpetuated the commodification of sacred Buddhist relics. The successful intervention demonstrates India's commitment to reclaiming its stolen heritage and protecting artifacts of immense spiritual significance to 500 million Buddhists worldwide.

Ancient Buddha Gems Return to India After 127 Years

Ancient Buddha Gems Return to India After 127 Years

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Ancient Buddha Gems Return to India After 127 Years

Ancient Buddha Gems Return to India After 127 Years

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