Why Piprahwa Relics in News?

India is currently engaged in a diplomatic and legal effort to halt the auction of ancient Buddhist relics that hold immense historical, religious, and cultural significance. These relics, dating back over 2,500 years, were excavated during the British colonial period and are now being put up for sale by Sotheby’s, one of the world’s leading auction houses. The Indian government has raised strong objections, calling the sale a violation of national and international laws, and a desecration of sacred Buddhist heritage.

Discovery of the Relics at Piprahwa Stupa

The relics in question were unearthed in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé, a British landowner and engineer, while conducting an excavation on his estate in Piprahwa, located in present-day Uttar Pradesh, just south of Lumbini — believed to be the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

During this excavation, Peppé discovered a large stupa, and within it, a massive stone coffer containing:

• Bone fragments, believed to be the cremated remains of the Historical Buddha
• Precious gemstones including rubies, pearls, topaz, and sapphires
• Gold ornaments and decorative sheets
• Soapstone and crystal reliquaries

These findings were identified as having been buried together with the corporeal relics of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha, making them one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Buddhist history.

Historical Significance of Piprahwa and Kapilavastu

Piprahwa is widely accepted by historians and archaeologists as the site of ancient Kapilavastu, the capital of the Shakya Republic during the 5th–6th centuries BCE. This is where Prince Siddhartha spent the early years of his life before renouncing royal life to seek spiritual enlightenment. The items discovered at the site are not only religious relics but also form an essential part of India’s ancient civilizational legacy.

How the Relics Were Divided

Under the colonial-era 1878 Indian Treasure Trove Act, the British Crown claimed ownership of the relics discovered by Peppé. While the majority of the relics, including the bone fragments and a large portion of the gemstones, were sent to what is now the Indian Museum in Kolkata, a fifth of the find was retained by Peppé as “duplicates of the main collection.”

It is this privately held collection — passed down through generations of the Peppé family — that is now scheduled to be auctioned by Sotheby’s, drawing sharp objections from India and the global Buddhist community.

India’s Legal and Cultural Objections to the Auction

The Ministry of Culture of the Government of India has sent an official notice to Sotheby’s and Chris Peppé (William Peppé’s great-grandson), stating that the relics:

• Are an “inalienable religious and cultural heritage of India and the global Buddhist community”
• Are protected under various Indian laws, including:

1. The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act (1972)
2. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (1958)
3. The Indian Treasure Trove Act (1878)

The government argues that Chris Peppé lacks the legal authority to sell these relics, and that the act of commodifying them violates multiple Indian and international laws, including UNESCO conventions on the protection of cultural property.

Global Buddhist Community Raises Alarm

The auction has sparked international outcry, especially among Buddhist scholars and monastic leaders. Many view the relics as sacred and non-commercial entities, meant to be venerated, not sold.

Sotheby’s Describes the Relics as “Extraordinary”

Despite these objections, Sotheby’s has continued preparations for the auction, describing the collection as “among the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries of all time.” According to the auction house, the items include:

• Bone fragments
• Soapstone and crystal reliquaries
• A sandstone coffer
• Gold ornaments and gemstones

They were marketed as having been found “buried together in reliquaries with the corporeal relics of the Historical Buddha,” enhancing their perceived value among collectors — but igniting ethical and legal questions about their sale.

Cultural and Ethical Concerns

The case of the Piprahwa relics highlights a larger issue surrounding the legacy of colonialism and cultural appropriation. During the British rule, countless artefacts were removed from Indian soil, many ending up in museums or private collections in Europe and North America.

India has in recent years stepped up efforts to reclaim stolen cultural heritage, successfully negotiating the return of several artefacts from the UK, USA, and Australia. The auctioning of Buddhist relics from Piprahwa is seen as another painful reminder of what was lost — and what remains to be recovered.