New Delhi: India has successfully repatriated the sacred Piprahwa gems, ancient relics believed to be linked to the remains of the Buddha, more than a century after they were excavated and taken abroad.
The dramatic return follows a global backlash that forced the cancellation of a high-profile auction in Hong Kong earlier this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the development on X, calling it “a joyous day for our cultural heritage.”
The 334 ancient stones, which include amethysts, garnets, pearls, and gold, were set to be auctioned by Sotheby’s for an estimated HK$100 million (approximately ₹106 crore). But in May, India’s culture ministry intervened, threatening legal action in both Indian and Hong Kong courts, accusing the auction house of violating international cultural heritage norms.
A joyous day for our cultural heritage!
It would make every Indian proud that the sacred Piprahwa relics of Bhagwan Buddha have come home after 127 long years. These sacred relics highlight India’s close association with Bhagwan Buddha and his noble teachings. It also… pic.twitter.com/RP8puMszbW
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 30, 2025
The gems were unearthed in 1898 by British colonial landowner William Claxton Peppé at Piprahwa in present-day Uttar Pradesh. Historians believe they were buried in a stupa dating back to around 240 BCE, alongside the cremated remains of the Buddha himself. Many Buddhists consider the relics to be sacred, even sacred in a corporeal sense.
Under colonial rule, most of the excavated artefacts were claimed by the British government, with a share retained by the Peppé family. The descendants of Peppé had recently decided to auction the remaining relics, prompting widespread condemnation from Buddhist leaders, scholars, and cultural activists across the globe.
A Historic Homecoming: The sacred Piprahwa Relics are returning to India after 127 years! Lord Buddha’s relics find their way home through extraordinary Govt- corporate collaboration. (1/6)#BuddhaRelics #Piprahwarelics #CultureUnitesAll pic.twitter.com/zDFgGnIGJN
— Ministry of Culture (@MinOfCultureGoI) July 30, 2025
The Indian government, in partnership with Godrej Industries Group, negotiated the purchase of the relics, bringing them back under national custody. The artefacts will be unveiled at a formal ceremony and placed on permanent public display.
“This is more than just a repatriation, it is a restoration of spiritual and cultural dignity,” said Pirojsha Godrej, Executive Director of Godrej Industries Group. “These gems are symbols of compassion, peace, and the legacy of the Buddha.”
Chris Peppé, grandson of the original excavator, also welcomed the outcome. “We are happy that the true significance of the Piprahwa discovery has finally received the public recognition it always deserved,” he said.
