Archive · 1 Aug 2025
Buddha Relics Return to India After Auction Halt
Imagine special treasures, called relics, that belonged to Lord Buddha, like his ashes.
These treasures were going to be sold in Hong Kong.
The Indian government and a businessman named Pirojsha Godrej worked together to bring them back home, showing how important they are.
They stopped the sale and now plan to display them in museums so everyone can see them.
These relics were discovered in 1898 and were part of the Peppe family’s private collection.
They will be displayed at the National Museum in Delhi.
India repatriated sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha from Hong Kong.
The relics were part of the Peppe family’s private collection, slated for auction.
Pirojsha Godrej acquired the relics, estimated to be worth over $100 million.
The original relics were unearthed in 1898 near the India-Nepal border.
The relics will be exhibited at the National Museum in Delhi and in Kolkata.
- Who
- The relics of Lord Buddha, the Indian government, Pirojsha Godrej, and the Peppe family.
- What
- The repatriation of Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha.
- When
- Recently, after being slated for auction in May 2025.
- Where
- Returned to India from Hong Kong.
- Why
- To preserve India’s cultural heritage.
Perspective: Cultural Preservation
No opposing views
Repatriation Efforts
Perspective: Cultural Preservation
The Indian government and public were determined to bring back the relics to preserve cultural heritage.
No opposing views
No opposing views were presented in the article.
- Relics
- Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha
- Discovery Year
- 1898
- Original Location
- Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Former Location
- Hong Kong
- Buyer
- Pirojsha Godrej
- Estimated Value
- $100 million+
- Museum Display
- National Museum, Delhi & Indian Museum in Kolkata
