A treasured collection of ancient jewels believed to be linked to the corporeal relics of the historical Buddha has returned to India after more than a century abroad. Known as the Piprahwa Gems of the Historical Buddha Mauryan Empire, dating back to around 240–200 BCE during the Ashokan Era, the artifacts had been scheduled for auction earlier this year in Hong Kong before a last-minute intervention by the Indian government halted the sale.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the return of the gems on Wednesday, calling it a proud moment for the nation’s cultural heritage. “A joyous day for our cultural heritage! It would make every Indian proud,” he wrote in a post on X, acknowledging the significance of reclaiming the collection.
The gems had been set for auction by Sotheby’s in May, but the Indian government intervened with legal threats, asserting that the items were of immense cultural and historical importance. Following negotiations, Sotheby’s cancelled the public auction and instead arranged a private sale that ensured the permanent return of the gems to India. While the identity of the buyer remains undisclosed, the artifacts are now expected to be placed on public display, allowing citizens and scholars alike to connect with this vital link to India’s spiritual and archaeological past.
Sotheby’s issued a statement confirming its role in facilitating the return. “Sotheby’s is delighted to have facilitated the return of the Piprahwa Gems to India,” the auction house stated, noting that the move concluded a two-month effort to find the most appropriate custodian for the collection.
The gems were originally excavated in 1898 from a stupa in Piprahwa, located in present-day northern India, by English estate manager William Claxton Peppe. The site was historically significant, believed to be associated with the ancient city of Kapilavastu, where Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha, is thought to have spent part of his life. Following the discovery, British colonial authorities permitted Peppe to retain more than 300 duplicate gems, which remained with his family for generations.
The return of the Piprahwa Gems marks a significant achievement in India’s ongoing efforts to repatriate cultural treasures and highlights the growing international recognition of the ethical importance of returning sacred and historically meaningful artifacts to their places of origin.
READ MORE: