The auction of historically significant gems linked to the Buddha has been halted following a legal warning from the Indian government, which claims ownership of these sacred relics.
Sotheby's Postpones Controversial Auction of Sacred Buddha Relics Amid Legal Threat from India
Sotheby's Postpones Controversial Auction of Sacred Buddha Relics Amid Legal Threat from India
Sotheby's plans to delay the auction of significant Buddha-linked jewels after the Indian government raised objections on cultural heritage grounds.
Sotheby's, the renowned auction house, has announced the postponement of a high-profile auction scheduled in Hong Kong for May 7, involving hundreds of jewels that are purportedly tied to the remains of the Buddha. This decision comes in response to a formal threat of legal action from the Indian government, which expressed concerns that the sale would insult the global Buddhist community as the relics represent "inalienable religious and cultural heritage of India."
The collection, known as the Piprahwa Gems from the Historical Buddha Mauryan Empire, Ashokan Era, was unearthed nearly 130 years ago by British estate manager William Claxton Peppé in northern India. The site, located near Lumbini—widely regarded as Buddha’s birthplace—contained bone fragments identified as belonging to the Buddha along with approximately 1,800 valuable gems, including rubies, sapphires, and topaz, safely stored in a brick chamber.
The Indian government, in a letter to Sotheby's, emphasized that the relics are protected under Indian and international law, as well as various United Nations conventions. Following this, officials from the Indian government engaged in discussions with Sotheby's representatives on Tuesday to seek a resolution.
Sotheby's, acknowledging the concerns raised by the Indian authorities, stated that "in light of the matters raised" and with the "agreement of the consignors," they would postpone the auction and keep the public informed of any developments. As a result of this decision, all notices related to the gems’ sale have been removed from the auction house's website.
The significance of the 1898 discovery has been described by Sotheby's as "among the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries of all time," emphasizing its historical relevance.
