PM Modi Welcomes Return Of Buddha's Piprahwa Relics: What They Are And Why They Matter
Prime Minister Modi announced the return of Lord Buddha's sacred Piprahwa relics to India after 127 years. Discovered in 1898, they were taken abroad during colonial rule.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha have returned to India after a gap of 127 years. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said the relics had been taken out of the country during colonial rule after being discovered in 1898. 'It would make every Indian proud that the sacred Piprahwa relics of Bhagwan Buddha have come home after 127 long years," he said.
PM Modi described the return as a 'joyous day for our cultural heritage" and added that the relics highlight India's deep-rooted association with the Buddha and his teachings. He said their homecoming also reflected the country's commitment to preserving and protecting 'different aspects of our glorious culture." The Prime Minister noted that when the relics recently resurfaced in an international auction, the government intervened to stop the sale and ensure their return. 'I appreciate all those who have been involved in this effort," he said.
What Are the Piprahwa Relics?
The Piprahwa relics refer to what are believed to be the mortal remains of Lord Buddha, found in 1898 by British landowner and amateur archaeologist William Claxton Peppe. The discovery was made during an excavation of a large stupa in Piprahwa, a village in Siddharthnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, close to the India-Nepal border and near the ancient city of Kapilavastu, where the Buddha is believed to have spent his early life.
Inside the stupa, archaeologists found a sandstone coffer containing crystal caskets, gold and silver ornaments, and a reliquary with an inscription in early Brahmi script. The inscription indicated that the relics were of the 'Blessed Buddha", placed there by members of the Shakya clan, to which the Buddha belonged. This led many scholars to believe these were authentic relics of the Buddha himself.
How Did They Leave India?
Following their discovery, a portion of the relics remained in India, but some were taken abroad during the colonial era—initially sent to museums and Buddhist communities in countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand. The recent international auction attempt, believed to be by Sotheby's in Hong Kong, brought the issue back into the spotlight. The Indian government quickly objected, leading to the suspension of the sale and negotiations for the relics' return.
The Piprahwa relics are among the earliest archaeological links to the historical Buddha and are of immense religious and cultural importance for Buddhists globally. Their return is expected to further strengthen India's Buddhist diplomacy, particularly with nations in South and Southeast Asia where reverence for the Buddha remains strong.
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July 30, 2025, 17:28 IST
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