Sotheby’s has delayed the auction of the Piprahwa Gems, ancient stones linked to the Buddha’s remains, after the Indian government threatened legal action demanding their repatriation. The decision to postpone the auction was made in conjunction with the consignors, three descendants of a British landowner who excavated the gems in 1898. The Indian government condemned the sale as offensive to the 500 million Buddhists worldwide and a violation of both Indian law and international conventions. The gems, part of a larger collection of over 1,800 artifacts now housed at the Indian Museum in Kolkata, were buried in a stupa around 200-240 BC and believed to contain the essence of Buddha, who died 200 years prior.
Initially scheduled for auction in Hong Kong, the 334 gems were expected to sell for approximately $12.9 million. Despite being displayed to the public, the sale faced backlash from Buddhist scholars and leaders. The Indian Ministry of Culture described the gems as sacred relics inseparable from the remains they accompany, highlighting that selling them violates religious and ethical standards.
Historically, when discovered, the British Crown claimed the relics under the 1878 Indian Treasure Trove Act. While most artifacts went to Thailand, the Peppé family retained a portion that has been passed down through generations. India’s government stated that if the Peppé family wished to relinquish their custody of the gems, they should be returned to India first. In response, Chris Peppé, the great-grandson of the excavator, expressed a desire for the gems to be valued appropriately and mentioned potential obstacles in donating them.
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