The Indian government has threatened legal action against Sotheby's in Hong Kong if they proceed with an auction of jewels believed to be linked to the remains of Buddha. Scheduled for Wednesday, the auction features gems unearthed from a burial site over a century ago, raising questions about cultural ownership and ethical stewardship. India asserts that the sale contravenes both national and international laws as well as UNESCO conventions, urging that these jewels be viewed as sacred heritage rather than mere artifacts for sale.
The controversy centers around pieces excavated by William Claxton Peppé in 1898 at Piprahwa, an area now within Uttar Pradesh, India, known to be in proximity to Buddha's birthplace in Lumbini. The excavation uncovered approximately 1,800 gems, including a variety of precious stones, believed to have been buried with relics consecrated nearly 2,000 years ago. India's Ministry of Culture has publicly criticized the sale through a social media post, claiming that the Peppé family lacks legitimate authority to auction the items and accusing Sotheby's of perpetuating a legacy of colonial exploitation.
Historically, the gems were transferred to the British colonial government, with some relics subsequently sent to the Buddhist King of Siam. The Peppé family retained a small fraction of the findings, which they now claim as personal property. However, the Indian ministry insists on the national and cultural significance of the jewels, arguing that they represent an "inalienable religious and cultural heritage" of India rather than just "duplicates" of the original relics.
The Ministry's statements include a demand for Sotheby's and Peppé to provide comprehensive records outlining the jewels' ownership history. They have called for a public apology and threatened legal action in both India and Hong Kong if these demands are ignored. Notably, they have indicated a desire to launch a public campaign that would spotlight Sotheby's role in what they characterize as colonial injustice.
Despite the backlash, Chris Peppé has expressed a desire to responsibly transfer the jewels to the Buddhist community and claims that auctioning seemed the most transparent option after exploring various donation alternatives. Over the years, these jewels have garnered much attention, with several exhibitions showcasing them, including a recent one at The Met. Nonetheless, the Indian Ministry has condemned the commercialization of what they regard as sacred cultural assets, stating that custodianship should include ethical stewardship, not profit.
