Wed May 07 10:44:05 UTC 2025: ## India Halts Sotheby’s Auction of Ancient Buddhist Relics
**HONG KONG** – The Indian government successfully intervened to halt an auction of ancient Buddhist jewels at Sotheby’s Hong Kong. The auction, scheduled for May 7th, 2025, featured the “Piprahwa Gems,” relics associated with the historical Buddha and discovered in India in 1898. The gems, dating back to approximately 240-200 BC, were found alongside Buddha’s remains.
The Ministry of Culture issued a legal notice to Sotheby’s and Chris Peppé, a descendant of the British archaeologist who excavated the relics, citing violations of Indian law, international norms, and UN conventions. The ministry argued that the auction of these sacred relics constitutes an unethical sale and a continuation of colonial injustice. The government demanded the repatriation of the relics and a public apology.
Sotheby’s subsequently postponed the auction, stating that this was done in agreement with the consignors to allow for discussions between all parties involved. Several webpages related to the auction have since been removed from Sotheby’s website. The Ministry of Culture expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating the postponement was a direct result of their intervention. Further details regarding the future of the relics are expected to be released.
First Piper 