The Indian government has issued a stern warning to Sotheby’s in Hong Kong, insisting that the auction of a collection of jewels associated with the remains of Buddha be halted. The sale is scheduled for Wednesday and features gems discovered more than a century ago alongside bone fragments of Buddha, buried deep in history.
The ministry of culture argues that the auction contravenes both Indian and international laws, alongside various UN conventions, and insists that these jewels should be treated with utmost reverence. The upcoming sale has drawn backlash from numerous Buddhists and art historians worldwide, who view it as a violation of cultural heritage.
In a public statement, the Indian ministry shared a letter addressed to Sotheby's and Chris Peppé, the great-grandson of the Englishman William Claxton Peppé who unearthed these relics in 1898. The ministry emphasized that Peppé has no legitimate rights to sell what it describes as sacred artifacts. There is an accusation asserting that Sotheby’s contributes to "continued colonial exploitation" by facilitating this sale.
William Claxton Peppé, an estate manager, excavated a stupa in Piprahwa—the area believed to be near Buddha's birthplace, Lumbini—and uncovered nearly 1800 gems, including rubies and sapphires, housed in a brick chamber. After the excavation, Peppé transferred the relics to the colonial Indian government; while the majority of these relics eventually found their way to the Indian Museum in Kolkata, some remained with the Peppé family.
The Indian ministry has condemned the notion that any of the jewels could be classified as "duplicates," arguing they constitute an "inalienable religious and cultural heritage" vital to India. It called for these jewels to be viewed as sacred offerings rather than mere specimens. Additionally, it has raised questions regarding the custodianship of these artifacts, implying that those in possession lack the moral right to sell or dispose of them.
The ministry demands a public apology from Sotheby’s as well as the full disclosure of records tracing the ownership of the relics, stating that failing to comply could result in legal action in both India and Hong Kong for breaching cultural heritage laws. They also hinted at initiating a public campaign to highlight the role of Sotheby’s in perpetuating colonial injustices.
In response, Chris Peppé suggested that the family investigated options for donating the relics but found all routes problematic, asserting that an auction was the “fairest and most transparent” means to transition the relics to the Buddhist community. Peppé noted the jewels passed through his family and have been showcased in prominent exhibitions, including a recent display at The Met.
The Indian ministry, however, contends that the relics’ custodianship has been manipulated for publicity and profit.
