Ancient Buddha Relics Returned to India After Controversial Hong Kong Auction Cancelled

The sacred Piprahwa relics, a collection of ancient gems linked to Buddha's remains and discovered in 1898 in Uttar Pradesh, India, have been repatriated to India after a planned auction at Sotheby's in Hong Kong was postponed following Indian government intervention. The Indian conglomerate Godrej Industries Group purchased the 334 gems, which include pearls, rubies, topaz, sapphires, and gold sheets, for an undisclosed amount, and the relics will be placed on public display at the National Museum after a formal ceremony. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the return as a joyous day and a matter of national pride, emphasizing the relics' spiritual significance to the global Buddhist community and India's cultural heritage. The repatriation resulted from a public-private partnership between the Indian government and Godrej Industries, showcasing a new model for cultural diplomacy and heritage preservation. Sotheby’s described the outcome as historic, highlighting the close collaboration with the Peppé family, the buyer, and the Indian government to ensure the relics' permanent return. The relics' return reinforces India's role as a steward of Buddhist heritage and reflects a commitment to protecting and preserving its cultural legacy.