India Opposes Auction of Buddha-Linked Jewels, Threatens Legal Action

India has issued a strong protest against Sotheby’s over an upcoming auction in Hong Kong involving jewels believed to have been interred with the remains of the Buddha. The Ministry of Culture argues that these relics constitute India’s “sacred and cultural heritage” and their sale violates international conventions and Indian law.

The auction, scheduled for Wednesday, includes gemstones excavated in 1898 by Englishman William Claxton Peppé from a stupa in Piprahwa, now in Uttar Pradesh. These jewels, once buried alongside bone relics attributed to the Buddha, are among the most significant archaeological discoveries tied to Buddhism.

India has urged Sotheby’s to halt the sale immediately and return the items. A formal notice has been sent to the auction house and to Chris Peppé, the great-grandson of the original excavator. The ministry insists the relics cannot be commodified and that any remaining pieces—whether “duplicates” or otherwise—are integral to India’s religious heritage.

Sotheby’s has acknowledged receipt of the legal notice and is said to be reviewing the matter. Meanwhile, India threatens legal recourse in both India and Hong Kong and promises a global campaign spotlighting Sotheby’s alleged role in “colonial injustice.”