Sotheby’s Hong Kong Delays Auction of Piprahwa Buddhist Relics

The Ministry of Culture in India has successfully intervened to postpone the auction of the sacred Piprahwa Buddhist relics, originally set for May 7, 2025, by Sotheby’s Hong Kong. This significant move comes in response to concerns over the cultural and religious importance of the relics, which include bone fragments of the Historical Buddha and various ceremonial artifacts. The Indian government is now focusing on discussions for the potential repatriation of these relics, which hold immense significance for millions of Buddhists worldwide.

Background of the Piprahwa Relics

The Piprahwa Relics consist of bone fragments believed to belong to the Historical Buddha, along with a collection of artifacts, including soapstone and crystal caskets, a sandstone coffer, and offerings such as gold ornaments and gemstones. These relics were unearthed in 1898 by archaeologist William Claxton Peppé. An inscription in Brahmi script on one of the caskets confirms their authenticity as relics of the Buddha, deposited by the Sakya clan. Most of these relics were transferred to the Indian Museum in Kolkata in 1899, where they are classified as ‘AA’ antiquities under Indian law, which prohibits their removal or sale. A portion of the bone relics was gifted to the King of Siam, while some funerary gems remained with Peppé’s great-grandson, Chris Peppé, who listed them for auction.

Government Response to the Auction

Upon learning about the auction through media reports, the Ministry of Culture took immediate action. On May 2, 2025, the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) reached out to the Consulate General of Hong Kong, requesting the auction’s cancellation. The following day, during a bilateral meeting, Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat discussed the issue with UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, emphasizing the relics’ cultural significance. On May 5, the Ministry convened a review meeting to strategize further actions, including issuing a legal notice to Sotheby’s and Chris Peppé, demanding the auction’s halt. The Ministry of External Affairs was also involved, coordinating with embassies in the UK and Hong Kong to ensure the auction’s stoppage.

Negotiations with Sotheby’s

On May 5, 2025, Sotheby’s Hong Kong acknowledged receipt of the legal notice and indicated that they were considering the matter. The following day, a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Culture, including the Joint Secretary from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Consul General of India to Hong Kong, met with Sotheby’s representatives. They stressed that the relics are not mere artifacts but hold sacred significance for millions of Buddhists globally. The delegation asserted that the relics rightfully belong to India, having been taken during the colonial era. Later that day, Sotheby’s confirmed via email that the auction would be postponed and expressed willingness for further discussions.

Future Steps for Repatriation

The Ministry of Culture’s efforts were bolstered by support from various stakeholders, including the Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO and Buddhist organizations from India and Sri Lanka. The Ministry, in collaboration with the ASI and the Ministry of External Affairs, is now set to engage all relevant parties to facilitate discussions on the repatriation of the Piprahwa relics to India. This initiative aims to ensure that these culturally and religiously significant artifacts are returned to their rightful home, reflecting the ongoing commitment of the Indian government to preserve its heritage.

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