The prestigious auction house Sotheby's has decided to halt the planned auction of remarkable sacred jewels associated with the Buddha's remains after receiving a legal threat from the Indian government. Initially scheduled for May 7 in Hong Kong, the sale of the Piprahwa Gems—deemed one of the notable archaeological finds of modern times—has sparked significant backlash from Buddhist scholars and religious leaders.
The Indian government voiced its concerns, stating that the relics represent an "inalienable religious and cultural heritage" tied not just to India but to the broader Buddhist community worldwide. In a formal letter addressed to Sotheby's shortly before the auction, Indian officials cited that the sale could breach both Indian and international laws, as well as United Nations conventions regarding cultural artifacts.
Discussion between Indian government representatives and Sotheby’s was expedited, leading to the auction house's announcement that the sale has been postponed to allow for further dialogue on the issue. A statement from Sotheby's indicated that updates concerning the discussions would be provided as necessary. As a result, the marketing materials promoting the edge-of-its-time auction have been withdrawn, and the webpage featuring the gems no longer appears on their site.
These historical jewels were discovered nearly 130 years ago by British official William Claxton Peppé during excavations near Piprahwa, an area near Lumbini, which is widely recognized as the Buddha's birthplace. The treasure trove includes approximately 1,800 gems, such as rubies, sapphires, and topaz, housed within an ancient brick chamber. Sotheby's had previously claimed the 1898 find stands among the most astonishing archaeological revelations in history, with relics dating back to the Mauryan Empire's Ashokan Era, around 240-200 BCE.
