Sotheby’s Postpones Buddha-Linked Jewel Auction After India Threatens To Sue

Photo: Sotheby’s

India-West News Desk

NEW DELHI – Auction house Sotheby’s has postponed the sale of a collection of ancient jewels linked to the relics of the Buddha after the Indian government formally objected and threatened legal action.

The collection, known as the Piprahwa Gems of the Historical Buddha, dates back to the Mauryan Empire during the Ashokan Era (circa 240–200 BCE) and was discovered in 1898 at Piprahwa, in present-day Uttar Pradesh. It was set to be auctioned on May 7 at Sotheby’s headquarters in Hong Kong.

India’s Ministry of Culture sent a letter to Sotheby’s on May 5, describing the artifacts as part of the “inalienable religious and cultural heritage of India and the global Buddhist community.” The letter argued that their sale would violate Indian and international laws, as well as United Nations conventions on cultural property.

In response, Sotheby’s issued a statement saying it had postponed the sale “in light of the matters raised by the Government of India and with the agreement of the consignors.” The auction house said this would allow time for discussions between the parties.

The planned auction had drawn criticism from Buddhist scholars and monastic leaders, who said that offering the items for sale disregarded their religious and historical significance.

India’s letter also noted that the sale “offends the sentiments of over 500 million Buddhists worldwide” and goes against core Buddhist ethical principles.

While Sotheby’s had previously described the discovery of the Piprahwa relics as a major archaeological milestone, it remains unclear how the jewels came to be consigned for private sale.