India halts Buddhist relics' auction by Sotheby's Hong Kong

India has stepped in to halt the auction by Sotheby's Hong Kong of a portion of the sacred Buddhist relics that were excavated in the northern parts of the country in 1898, and demanded their repatriation.

- BY S VENKAT NARAYAN OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

In a statement on Monday (May 5, 2025), the Ministry of Culture said it has issued a "legal notice to Sotheby's Hong Kong," seeking "immediate cessation of the auction" scheduled for Wednesday (May 7, 2025).

There was no immediate reaction from the auction house.

However, the Ministry of Culture said Sotheby has responded to the legal notice with the "assurance" that "full attention" is being given to the matter.

"These relics, excavated from the Piprahwa Stupa - widely recognised as the ancient city of Kapilavastu, the birthplace of Lord Buddha - hold immense historical and spiritual significance," the statement said.

The Piprahwa Relics, which include bone fragments, soapstone and crystal caskets, a sandstone coffer and offerings, such as gold ornaments and gemstones, were excavated by William Claxton Peppe in 1898, it said.

An inscription in the Brahmi script on one of the caskets confirms these as relics of the Buddha deposited by the Sakya clan, the Ministry said.