New Delhi- The Indian government has taken urgent steps to halt the auction of the revered Piprahwa Relics by Sotheby’s Hong Kong, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s cultural and religious heritage. The relics, excavated from the Piprahwa Stupa—believed to be the ancient city of Kapilavastu, where Lord Buddha spent his early years—hold profound historical and spiritual importance.
Discovered in 1898 by British colonial official William Claxton Peppé, the Piprahwa Relics include bone fragments, intricately crafted soapstone and crystal caskets, a sandstone coffer, and offerings such as gold ornaments and gemstones. A Brahmi inscription on one casket identifies them as relics of the Buddha, enshrined by the Sakya clan.
While most relics were moved to the Indian Museum, Kolkata, in 1899 and are protected under India’s Antiquities Act as ‘AA’ grade artifacts—barring their sale or export—a portion gifted to the King of Siam (Thailand) remains abroad. The current auction involves relics retained by Peppé’s descendants.
Upon learning of the proposed auction, the Ministry of Culture initiated the following actions:
The Ministry collected detailed background information on the auction and issued a legal notice to Sotheby’s Hong Kong to stop the auction immediately. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) also requested the Consulate General of Hong Kong to take up the matter with authorities there demanding the immediate cessation of the auction.
During a bilateral meeting on May 2, 2025, Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat raised the issue with Rt Hon Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, United Kingdom. The Minister emphasized the cultural and religious significance of the relics and urged immediate action to halt the auction and facilitate their repatriation.
On May 5, the Secretary of Culture convened a high-level review meeting to outline further steps. The Ministry of External Affairs has been requested to engage with embassies in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong through its Europe West and East Asia Divisions to ensure the auction is stopped.
The Financial Investigation Unit (FIU) has been asked to coordinate with its counterpart in Hong Kong to highlight the illegality of the auction and ensure compliance with international laws.
Ivy Wong, Associate General Counsel Sotheby’s in her reply to the legal notice assured that their full attention is given to this matter.
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