The Indian government is taking a firm stance against Sotheby's auction of jewels connected to the remains of the Buddha, demanding their return to India. The auction, scheduled for Wednesday, features gems that were discovered buried alongside bone fragments of the Buddha over a century ago. India's Ministry of Culture argues that this sale violates both Indian and international laws, as well as UN conventions, and insists that the jewels must be regarded as sacred.
Public disapproval has emerged from various Buddhists and art scholars worldwide regarding the auction's ethical implications. In a letter posted on Instagram, the Indian ministry highlighted concerns about the authority of Chris Peppé, great-grandson of the English excavator William Claxton Peppé, to proceed with the sale.
William Peppé unearthed the relics in 1898 at a stupa located in Piprahwa, southwest of Lumbini—Buddha's supposed birthplace. This excavation led to the recovery of around 1,800 precious gems, including rubies and sapphires, stored in a brick chamber. The artifacts were eventually passed to the colonial Indian government and sent to different locations, with some relics given to the Buddhist King of Siam, while others remain in India.
The Indian Ministry's statement critiques the misleading characterization of the gems as "duplicates," asserting they embody India's "inalienable religious and cultural heritage." The ministry argues that the custodians of these jewels lack the right to profit from their sale and have implied neglect in their care, citing past reports of the relics being left uncared for.
As part of their demands, the ministry is seeking a public apology from Sotheby's and Peppé, along with a full disclosure of the ownership records pertaining to the relics. The ministry has warned of potential legal proceedings in both India and Hong Kong if their demands are ignored, along with the possibility of launching a public campaign against Sotheby's for furthering "colonial injustices."
Chris Peppé has remarked that his family had considered donating the relics but faced obstacles, ultimately believing that an auction would be the most equitable and transparent option to transfer ownership to Buddhist communities. The gems have previously been displayed in notable exhibitions, including one at The Met in 2023, but the Indian government references instances of the jewels being used for publicity, questioning their custodianship.
Public disapproval has emerged from various Buddhists and art scholars worldwide regarding the auction's ethical implications. In a letter posted on Instagram, the Indian ministry highlighted concerns about the authority of Chris Peppé, great-grandson of the English excavator William Claxton Peppé, to proceed with the sale.
William Peppé unearthed the relics in 1898 at a stupa located in Piprahwa, southwest of Lumbini—Buddha's supposed birthplace. This excavation led to the recovery of around 1,800 precious gems, including rubies and sapphires, stored in a brick chamber. The artifacts were eventually passed to the colonial Indian government and sent to different locations, with some relics given to the Buddhist King of Siam, while others remain in India.
The Indian Ministry's statement critiques the misleading characterization of the gems as "duplicates," asserting they embody India's "inalienable religious and cultural heritage." The ministry argues that the custodians of these jewels lack the right to profit from their sale and have implied neglect in their care, citing past reports of the relics being left uncared for.
As part of their demands, the ministry is seeking a public apology from Sotheby's and Peppé, along with a full disclosure of the ownership records pertaining to the relics. The ministry has warned of potential legal proceedings in both India and Hong Kong if their demands are ignored, along with the possibility of launching a public campaign against Sotheby's for furthering "colonial injustices."
Chris Peppé has remarked that his family had considered donating the relics but faced obstacles, ultimately believing that an auction would be the most equitable and transparent option to transfer ownership to Buddhist communities. The gems have previously been displayed in notable exhibitions, including one at The Met in 2023, but the Indian government references instances of the jewels being used for publicity, questioning their custodianship.
