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Piprahwa Buddha Relics: India Objects to Sotheby’s Hong Kong Sale

7 May 20251 min read
NATIONAL AFFAIRSPiprahwa BuddhaRelics: India Objectsto Sotheby’s HongKong Sale7 May 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

The Ministry of Culture served a legal notice on Sotheby’s Hong Kong over a planned sale of Piprahwa relics. Sotheby’s Associate General Counsel Ivy Wong replied that the matter has its full attention.

Key facts

  • Dug up in 1898 at the Piprahwa Stupa, believed part of Kapilavastu, the Buddha’s birthplace.
  • Finds: bone fragments, soapstone and crystal caskets, a sandstone coffer, gold ornaments and gems.
  • A Brahmi inscription credits the Sakya clan with depositing them.
  • Most went to the Indian Museum, Kolkata in 1899 as Category ‘AA’ antiquities.
  • Some pieces went to the King of Siam; others stayed with Peppé’s descendants, and part of that lot is now in the auction list.

About Piprahwa

  • Village in Siddharthnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, known for Kalanamak rice; about 9 miles from Lumbini.

Exam angle

  • Notice sent to Sotheby’s Hong Kong; relics script: Brahmi.

Test yourself

1. Which Indian ministry sent a legal notice to Sotheby's Hong Kong over the auction of Piprahwa relics?

The Ministry of Culture issued the notice demanding the auction be halted.

2. In which year were the Piprahwa Buddhist relics excavated from the Piprahwa Stupa?

The relics were excavated in 1898; most reached the Indian Museum in 1899.

3. Under which category are most Piprahwa relics designated, prohibiting sale or export?

They are Category 'AA' antiquities under Indian law.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 7 May 2025 (17 topics).

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