India reclaims Buddha relics after 127 years in landmark cultural repatriation

In a moment described as “historic and profoundly emotional,” India has secured the return of the sacred Piprahwa relics of Buddha, more than a century after they were taken during British colonial rule. The revered artefacts, including delicate gems and ornaments, were originally excavated in 1898 in northern India by Englishman William Claxton Peppe.

The relics, believed to date back to the third century BC, were removed from the Piprahwa site near Kapilavastu — the ancient city where Prince Siddhartha spent his early life. Thought to be the remains of Gautam Buddha, the items include gold, garnet, and crystal ornaments that reflect the deep devotional artistry of early Buddhist communities.

The relics resurfaced earlier this year when they appeared in an international auction in Hong Kong. The Government of India, in collaboration with the Mumbai-based Godrej Industries Group and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), swiftly intervened. The Ministry of Culture issued a legal notice to Sotheby’s, the auction house behind the sale, demanding its cancellation and the immediate return of the artefacts. Sotheby’s responded by postponing the sale and later said it was “delighted to have facilitated the return of the Piprahwa Gems to India,” adding, “Sotheby’s is thrilled to have played such a central role in securing this historic outcome.”

Handover ceremony

The official handover ceremony was marked by strong sentiments from Indian leadership. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat described the moment as the “return of the nation’s soul.” He said, “Culturally, today is a very important day for us. This archaeological wealth holds historical and spiritual significance for India. Today, the connected element of India’s soul has returned.”

He reflected on the colonial removal of the relics, stating, “When these were taken to England 127 years ago, no one would have imagined that even after independence, such heritage would ever return to India. But today is the sunrise of that good fortune.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the recovery, calling it a “joyous” occasion for India’s cultural heritage. In a post on X, he said, “It would make every Indian proud that the sacred Piprahwa relics of Bhagwan Buddha have come home after 127 long years.” He added, “These sacred relics highlight India’s close association with Bhagwan Buddha and his noble teachings. It also illustrates our commitment to preserving and protecting different aspects of our glorious culture.”

Public display

The Ministry of Culture stated that the relics will soon be put on public display, though no specific timeline was announced. “These relics have long held immense spiritual value for the global Buddhist community and represent one of the most important archaeological discoveries in India’s history,” the ministry said.

The IBC echoed the sentiment, highlighting the relics’ deep spiritual and cultural resonance. The collaborative effort between the Indian government, IBC, and private partners has not only ensured the return of one of Buddhism’s most significant relics but also symbolized a broader revival of India’s spiritual legacy.

- with inputs from AFP, ANI