The Ministry of Culture has said that it has taken swift action to prevent the auction of sacred Piprahwa Relics by Sotheby’s Hong Kong. The relics, excavated from the Piprahwa Stupa in 1898, hold immense historical and spiritual significance, as they are believed to be associated with Lord Buddha. The Ministry issued a legal notice to Sotheby’s, which responded, assuring full attention to the matter.
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also raised the issue with the UK’s Secretary of State for Culture, urging immediate action to halt the auction and facilitate its repatriation. The Ministry of Culture has further assured that it is working with embassies and authorities to ensure compliance with international laws and return the relics to India.
