The Indian government has stepped in to prevent the auction of nearly 1,800 sacred artefacts linked to Lord Buddha, scheduled to be held in Hong Kong. On Monday, the Ministry of Culture issued a legal notice to auction house Sotheby’s, demanding that the sale be immediately halted and the relics returned to India.
Sacred Relics Discovered in 1898
The artefacts, which include pearls, sapphires, rubies, gold, garnets, coral, and bone fragments believed to be of the Buddha, were uncovered in 1898 at Piprahwa, a site near the Buddha’s birthplace in Uttar Pradesh. British colonial official William Claxton Peppe led the excavation of a stupa where these relics were found.
The items are currently set to go under the hammer on Wednesday, with Sotheby’s estimating the lot to be worth approximately HK$100 million (around ₹107 crore).
Culture Ministry Cites Historical and Legal Significance
In its official statement, the Ministry of Culture said it had verified information about the proposed auction and responded with legal measures. It noted that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had also contacted the Indian Consulate in Hong Kong, requesting that authorities there intervene to halt the sale.
“An inscription in Brahmi script on one of the caskets confirms these as relics of the Buddha, deposited by the Sakya clan,” the ministry stated, emphasizing the relics’ cultural and historical value.
It added that most of the items had been sent to the Indian Museum in Kolkata in 1899 and are officially categorized as ‘AA’ antiquities, making their removal or sale illegal under Indian law.
Relics in Auction Were Retained by Excavator’s Descendants
While some of the bone relics were gifted to the King of Siam, others were kept by William Peppe’s family. These specific artefacts—now in possession of Peppe’s descendants—are the ones being listed for sale by Sotheby’s.
The Ministry further disclosed that India’s Financial Investigation Unit (FIU) has been directed to coordinate with Hong Kong authorities to argue the illegality of the auction under international cultural protection norms.
India Calls for Repatriation of Artefacts
“The Ministry of Culture remains steadfast in its efforts to protect India’s cultural heritage and ensure the repatriation of the Piprahwa Relics. We call upon Sotheby’s Hong Kong to immediately withdraw the relics from auction and cooperate with Indian authorities to return these sacred artifacts to their rightful place,” the ministry stated.
Sotheby’s Responds to India’s Appeal
Sotheby’s has acknowledged receipt of India’s legal notice. Ivy Wong, Associate General Counsel at Sotheby’s, has reportedly assured “full attention” to the matter.
Despite the pressure, Nicolas Chow, Sotheby’s Asia Chairman, described the relics as “among the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries of all time.” The auction house echoed this sentiment, stating the items hold “unparalleled religious, archaeological and historical importance,” according to The Guardian.
Owner Defends Auction
Chris Peppe, great-grandson of the original excavator and one of the owners of the relics, defended the family’s decision to put the items up for auction. Speaking to the BBC, he said they had explored donation options to temples and museums but encountered multiple barriers. “The auction was the fairest and most transparent way to transfer these relics to Buddhists,” he added.
