The Government of India has initiated legal action to stop the auction of sacred Buddhist artifacts, demanding their immediate return. A legal notice is being sent to Sotheby’s auction house in Hong Kong, calling for the cessation of the scheduled sale and the repatriation of the relics to India.
The artifacts in question—comprising nearly 1,800 pieces of jewelry including pearls, gemstones, sapphires, and gold—were discovered in 1898 inside a stupa located in Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh. The excavation also revealed bone fragments believed to be the remains of the Buddha.
Sotheby’s has listed these items for auction tomorrow (May 7), assigning an estimated value of HK$100 million.
In an official statement, the Indian Ministry of Culture confirmed that it has gathered details about the planned auction and has taken steps to formally notify Sotheby’s through legal correspondence.
Additionally, the Archaeological Survey of India has alerted the Indian Consulate General in Hong Kong, urging immediate intervention to halt the sale and engage in discussions with local authorities to address the matter.
