Ancient Gems Linked to Buddha Are Returned to India

The Piprahwa Gems, a collection of ancient Buddhist relics linked to the Buddha, have been returned to India after Sotheby's canceled an auction of the artifacts. The Indian government had applied pressure, asserting that the relics rightfully belonged in their country. The Piprahwa Gems were discovered in an ancient stupa (a Buddhist monument) in the Piprahwa region of Uttar Pradesh, India, in the late 19th century. These precious gemstones and ivory objects were believed to have been associated with the Buddha himself, making them culturally and historically significant. The decision by Sotheby's to cancel the auction and repatriate the artifacts to India has been welcomed as a victory for cultural heritage preservation. The return of the Piprahwa Gems is seen as an important step in the ongoing efforts to ensure that significant archaeological and historical treasures are safeguarded and returned to their countries of origin.