Sotheby's Hong Kong postpones auction of Piprahwa Buddhist relics after Ministry of Culture intervention
The Ministry of Culture said on 7 May 2025 that Sotheby's Hong Kong had postponed the auction of the sacred Piprahwa Buddhist relics, which had been scheduled for that day, after legal notices and talks by the Government of India.
Summary
The Ministry of Culture announced on 7 May 2025 that Sotheby's Hong Kong had postponed the auction of the Piprahwa Buddhist relics scheduled for that day. The relics, including bone fragments of the Buddha with caskets and offerings such as gold ornaments and gemstones, were excavated in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé; a Brahmi inscription on a casket identifies them as relics of the Buddha deposited by the Sakya clan. Most were transferred to the Indian Museum, Kolkata, in 1899 and are classified as 'AA' antiquities under Indian law. A selection of gems retained by Peppé's great-grandson Chris Peppé had been listed for auction. The Ministry issued a legal notice on 5 May, and a delegation led by the Culture Secretary held talks with Sotheby's on 6 May; late that day Sotheby's said the auction was postponed. The Ministry, with the ASI and MEA, will now pursue repatriation of the relics.
Key facts
- Announced
- 7 May 2025, Ministry of Culture
- Auction house
- Sotheby's Hong Kong (scheduled 7 May 2025)
- Excavated
- 1898, by William Claxton Peppé
- Inscription
- Brahmi; relics deposited by the Sakya clan
- Held in India
- Indian Museum, Kolkata (since 1899); 'AA' antiquities
- Next step
- Repatriation talks with ASI and MEA
Practice MCQs 2 questions
In which year were the Piprahwa Buddhist relics excavated by William Claxton Peppé?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1898
They were excavated in 1898; most of them were transferred to the Indian Museum, Kolkata, in 1899.
Consider the following statements about the Piprahwa relics: 1. Most of the relics are classified as 'AA' antiquities under Indian law and were transferred to the Indian Museum, Kolkata. 2. The auction postponed in May 2025 was scheduled at Sotheby's London. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The auction was scheduled by Sotheby's Hong Kong on 7 May 2025.