Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, July 31: A rare collection of sacred jewels linked to Buddha’s mortal remains has returned to India after 127 years, following diplomatic pressure, legal threats, and global condemnation of a planned auction by Sotheby’s.
Known as the Piprahwa Gems, the collection comprises nearly 300 rubies, sapphires, pearls, and gold relics unearthed in 1898 from a stupa in Piprahwa, located in present-day Uttar Pradesh near the near the Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini. The excavation, conducted by British estate manager William Claxton Peppé, was recognized as one of the most astonishing archaeological finds of the modern era.
The relics, long held in private British ownership by Peppé’s descendants, were scheduled to be auctioned by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong this May, sparking criticism from Buddhist leaders, cultural advocates, and historians. India’s Ministry of Culture intervened, sending a formal letter to Sotheby’s on May 5, asserting that the items were part of the “inalienable religious and cultural heritage of India and the global Buddhist community,” and their sale would violate international laws and UN conventions on cultural property.
Faced with legal threads and a wave of diplomatic protests, Sotheby’s halted the auction and entered into negotiations with the Indian government and the Peppé family. After two months of behind-the-scenes diplomacy, the relics were formally repatriated to India through a public-private partnership between the Government of India and Godrej Industries Group, based in Mumbai.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the Ministry of Culture confirmed that the jewels had returned and would be formally unveiled during a special ceremony before being placed on public display. “The sacred Piprahwa relics will be available for citizens and global visitors to pay homage and witness these rare artefacts,” the statement read.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the return as a proud moment for India. “After 127 years, the sacred relics of Lord Buddha are returning home,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter). He further stated, “These sacred relics highlight India’s close association with Bhagwan (Lord) Buddha and his noble teachings. It also illustrates our commitment to preserving and protecting different aspects of our glorious culture.”
In a statement, Sotheby’s thanked the Peppé family and the Indian government for their cooperation. “We are grateful to the Peppé family for safeguarding the gems and for having worked with us—and with the Government of India—in good faith to achieve this historic outcome,” the statement said.
Pirojsha Godrej, Executive Vice Chairperson of Godrej Industries Group which assisted government of India in facilitating the return of the relics, remarked, “We are deeply honoured to contribute to this historic moment. The Piprahwa gems are not just artefacts—they are timeless symbols of peace, compassion, and the shared heritage of humanity. Our partnership with the Government of India reflects our deep commitment to preserving cultural legacies for future generations.”
With the relics now on Indian soil, the Ministry of Culture underscored their significance, “Enshrined by His followers around the 3rd century BCE, these relics have long held immense spiritual value for the global Buddhist community and represent one of the most important archaeological discoveries in India’s history.”