India tries to halt auction of Piprahwa gems found with Buddha’s remains

theguardian.comPublished: 5/5/2025

Summary

A legal notice from the Indian government has sparked controversy over the commercialization of ancient gems believed to be connected to the Buddha's remains, which are now owned by a British colonial family seeking high bids for their sale. The government emphasized the cultural and religious significance of these artifacts, urging their return to preserve sacred heritage. Failure to comply could lead to legal action in India, Hong Kong, and international courts over alleged violations of cultural heritage laws, drawing criticism from those advocating for the respect and protection of sacred relics.