As an auction featuring relics believed to belong to Buddha approaches, India seeks to reclaim these valuable artifacts from Sotheby’s, emphasizing the need for cultural preservation and respect for historical injustices. The case raises important questions regarding the ownership and treatment of cultural treasures removed by colonial powers.
India Fights to Reclaim Holy Relics Ahead of Controversial Auction

India Fights to Reclaim Holy Relics Ahead of Controversial Auction
The Indian government has issued a legal order to halt the auction of significant Buddhist relics taken during British colonization, igniting an intense cultural and ethical debate.
In a significant move, the Indian government has entered the fray to prevent the auction of a striking collection of Buddhist relics and jewels, which were allegedly unearthed by a colonial-era English explorer in 1898. These artifacts, believed to be buried alongside the remains of Buddha, represent some of the most sacred treasures in Buddhist history. As Sotheby’s prepares to auction these culturally and religiously significant items on behalf of the explorer's descendants, India is asserting its claim, arguing for their return for “preservation and religious veneration.”
These irreplaceable relics are at the center of an ongoing discourse on how post-imperial nations grapple with the legacy of cultural appropriation. Ashley Thompson, a Southeast Asian art professor at the University of London, highlighted the pressing need to reevaluate the status of such artifacts, questioning their ownership and value in a modern context. The United States, alongside many European nations, has recently begun addressing similar dilemmas, with institutions returning antiquities to Indigenous groups and former colonies.
This development reflects a broader movement toward recognizing and rectifying historical injustices, especially concerning cultural artifacts removed during colonial rule. The readiness of various countries to reassess the possession of such relics indicates an important shift toward accountability and respect for original cultures. As India continues its legal battle, the outcome will undoubtedly influence future dialogues about the handling of looted artifacts worldwide.