The Indian government has threatened Sotheby's with legal action unless the auction house ceases the upcoming sale of jewels connected to the remains of the Buddha. Scheduled for Wednesday in Hong Kong, the auction features gems unearthed alongside bone fragments of the Buddha over a century ago. India’s culture ministry argues that the sale contravenes both domestic and international laws, as well as UN conventions, insisting that these jewels should be viewed as sacred items.
The auction has met widespread condemnation from Buddhists and art scholars around the world. In response to the controversy, the ministry publicly shared a letter directed at Sotheby's and Chris Peppé, a descendant of the Englishman who excavated these relics in 1898. Their post on Instagram announced that Sotheby’s has acknowledged the legal notice and is giving the matter "full attention."
William Claxton Peppé, the English estate manager responsible for the initial excavation in Piprahwa—near Lumbini, the reputed birthplace of Buddha—discovered an array of relics, including nearly 1,800 gems and artifacts dating back about 2,000 years. These items were subsequently surrendered to the British colonial government, after which most were sent to the Indian Museum in Kolkata. Peppé’s family retained a portion of the found relics, which they now contend they have the right to sell, despite the Indian government’s assertion that these treasures constitute part of India’s "inalienable religious and cultural heritage."
The Indian ministry contends that classifying the gems as merely "duplicates" misrepresents their significance, insisting they are sacred offerings directly tied to the Buddha. On top of demanding a public apology from both Sotheby's and Peppé, India is calling for full transparency regarding the gems’ ownership history. Failure to meet these requests, the ministry warns, may lead to legal action spanning both India and Hong Kong, as well as a public campaign against Sotheby's for exploiting colonial injustices.
Chris Peppé previously expressed intentions to find a philanthropic solution for the jewels but considered an auction the "fairest and most transparent option" to ensure the relics transition to the Buddhist community. The Peppé family has displayed the gems at prominent exhibitions, including one at The Met, while simultaneously promoting their research through a dedicated website. However, the Indian government believes this commercial approach undermines the cultural and religious significance of these ancient artifacts.
The auction has met widespread condemnation from Buddhists and art scholars around the world. In response to the controversy, the ministry publicly shared a letter directed at Sotheby's and Chris Peppé, a descendant of the Englishman who excavated these relics in 1898. Their post on Instagram announced that Sotheby’s has acknowledged the legal notice and is giving the matter "full attention."
William Claxton Peppé, the English estate manager responsible for the initial excavation in Piprahwa—near Lumbini, the reputed birthplace of Buddha—discovered an array of relics, including nearly 1,800 gems and artifacts dating back about 2,000 years. These items were subsequently surrendered to the British colonial government, after which most were sent to the Indian Museum in Kolkata. Peppé’s family retained a portion of the found relics, which they now contend they have the right to sell, despite the Indian government’s assertion that these treasures constitute part of India’s "inalienable religious and cultural heritage."
The Indian ministry contends that classifying the gems as merely "duplicates" misrepresents their significance, insisting they are sacred offerings directly tied to the Buddha. On top of demanding a public apology from both Sotheby's and Peppé, India is calling for full transparency regarding the gems’ ownership history. Failure to meet these requests, the ministry warns, may lead to legal action spanning both India and Hong Kong, as well as a public campaign against Sotheby's for exploiting colonial injustices.
Chris Peppé previously expressed intentions to find a philanthropic solution for the jewels but considered an auction the "fairest and most transparent option" to ensure the relics transition to the Buddhist community. The Peppé family has displayed the gems at prominent exhibitions, including one at The Met, while simultaneously promoting their research through a dedicated website. However, the Indian government believes this commercial approach undermines the cultural and religious significance of these ancient artifacts.
