Written by Lisa Murimi
The Indian government has warned of legal action against Sotheby’s in Hong Kong if it proceeds with the planned auction of ancient jewels linked to the Buddha’s relics, demanding their immediate return to India.
The auction, scheduled for Wednesday, features a collection of gems believed to have been buried with Buddha’s bone fragments over a century ago at the Piprahwa stupa in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
These jewels, unearthed in 1898 by British estate manager William Claxton Peppé, have sparked international outrage among Buddhists and scholars.
India’s Ministry of Culture condemned the sale as a violation of Indian and international law, including UN cultural heritage conventions.
The ministry called the relics “sacred” and part of India’s “inalienable religious and cultural heritage.”
In a public post, the ministry accused Sotheby’s and Chris Peppé, great-grandson of the original excavator, of “continued colonial exploitation.”
It also dismissed claims that the jewels were “duplicates” and therefore legitimately retained by the Peppé family.
The ministry demanded a public apology, full disclosure of provenance records, and an immediate halt to the sale.
It warned of legal proceedings in both India and Hong Kong, and the potential launch of a global awareness campaign targeting Sotheby’s.
Sotheby’s has acknowledged receipt of the legal notice and said the issue is under review.
Chris Peppé maintains the family explored donation options before settling on an auction, calling it the “fairest” path.
India, however, says the relics belong to humanity—not the market.
