Latest news with #PiprahwaRelics
Miami Herald
07-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Indian legal threat postpones Sotheby's auction of Piprahwa Buddhist relics
World Indian legal threat postpones Sotheby's auction of Piprahwa Buddhist relics Sotheby's postponed the auction of Piprahwa gems linked to the Buddha over a legal challenge from India. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI May 7 (UPI) -- Sotheby's Hong Kong auction of the Piprahwa gems linked to the Buddha, set for Wednesday, was postponed after India threatened legal action to repatriate the gems. "The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has successfully secured the postponement of the auction of the sacred Piprahwa Buddhist relics by Sotheby's Hong Kong, which was scheduled for May 7, 2025," India's Ministry of Culture said in a Wednesday statement. The ministry said the Piprahwa Relics "were not ordinary artifacts but held sacred significance for millions of Buddhists worldwide." The Indian statement added that the relics "rightfully belong to India, from where they were taken during the colonial era." The ministry said it would engage all stakeholders to advance discussions on the repatriation of the relics to India. "In light of the matters raised by the government of India and with the agreement of the consignors, the auction of the Piprahwa gems of the historical Buddha, scheduled for May 7, has been postponed. This will allow for discussions between the parties, and we look forward to sharing any updates as appropriate," Sotheby's said in a statement. According to the ministry the Piprahwa Relics were excavated by William Claxton Peppe in 1898. The majority of the relics were transferred to the Indian Museum in Kolkata in 1899. The ministry said they are classified as 'AA' antiquities under Indian law, which bans their removal or sale. The gems that were to be auctioned by Chris Peppe are funerary gems. The Indian government sent a legal notice letter to Sotheby's demanding the auction be stopped, citing the relics cultural and religious significance. The letter said the sale "involves sacred Buddhist relics" that constitute "inalienable religious and cultural heritage of India and the global Buddhist community." Sale of the relics, India said, "violates Indian and international laws, as well as United Nations conventions." The Piprahwa Relics include 332 gems that were to have had a starting bid of nearly $13 million. The relics consist of bone fragments, crystal and soapstone reliquaries as well as garnets, pearls, coral and amethysts. India's culture ministry said they were excavated from the Piprahwa Stupa, widely recognized as the birthplace of Buddha, and "hold immense historical and spiritual significance." The relics were found with ash and bones of the Buddha. The British crown took custody of the vast majority of 1800 gems excavated by the Peppe family, but the family was allowed to keep a fifth of the gems. Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 10:21 AM.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Government moves to stop Sotheby's HK auction of Buddhist relics excavated from Piprahwa Stupa
NEW DELHI: Indian government has stepped in to halt the auction by Sotheby's Hong Kong of a portion of the sacred Buddhist relics that were excavated in the northern parts of the country in 1898 and has demanded their repatriation . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In a statement Monday, ministry of culture said it issued a "legal notice to Sotheby's Hong Kong", seeking "immediate cessation of the auction" scheduled for Wednesday. The ministry has shared that Ivy Wong, associate general counsel Sotheby's, in her reply to the legal notice assured that "full attention is given to this matter". The culture ministry, in its statement, asserted that it remains steadfast in its efforts to protect India's cultural heritage and ensure the repatriation of Piprahwa relics. "We call upon Sotheby's Hong Kong to immediately withdraw the relics from auction and cooperate with Indian authorities to return these sacred artefact to their rightful place," the ministry said. "These relics, excavated from Piprahwa Stupa - widely recognised as the ancient city of Kapilavastu , birthplace of Lord Buddha - hold immense historical and spiritual significance," it added. Piprahwa Relics, which include bone fragments, soapstone and crystal caskets, a sandstone coffer, and offerings such as gold ornaments and gemstones, were excavated by William Claxton Peppe in 1898. An inscription in Brahmi script on one of the caskets confirms these as relics of the Buddha, deposited by the Sakya clan. The majority of these relics were transferred to the Indian Museum, Kolkata, in 1899 and are classified as 'AA' antiquities under Indian law, prohibiting their removal or sale. While a portion of the bone relics was gifted to the King of Siam, a selection retained by Peppe's descendants has now been listed for auction. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Upon learning of the proposed auction, ministry of culture stepped in by issuing a legal notice to Sotheby's Hong Kong to stop the auction immediately. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has also requested the Consulate General of Hong Kong to take up the matter with authorities there demanding the immediate cessation of the auction.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
School Assembly news headlines for May 7, 2025: From sports to education, check 20+ national & international news
School Assembly news headlines for May 7, 2025: Students, check out today's school assembly news update for May 7, 2025. Today, we bring you over 20 important news headlines from around the world. These stories cover sports, education, national news, business and international events. Staying updated with current affairs helps students understand the world better. It also builds critical thinking and connects school lessons to real-life situations. From exciting sports wins to major changes in education and key global updates, today's news will keep you informed. So, let's begin with today's top stories and see how the world is changing around us. Top National news headlines for school assembly May 7, 2025 India to conduct nationwide civil defence mock drill on May 7 to enhance emergency preparedness amid rising security concerns. India successfully tests new underwater naval mine, boosting maritime defence capabilities. Parliament panel seeks report on social media's impact on national interest and security. Government blocks auction of sacred Piprahwa Relics in Hong Kong, preserving India's cultural heritage. Union Home Ministry urges all districts to actively participate in civil defence drills for national safety. International news highlights for school assembly (May 7, 2025) Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, returns to the country amid political developments. Bangladesh's health system faces crisis due to restrictions on U.S. aid. Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz takes office and begins forming a cabinet. UN Security Council holds closed-door consultations on India-Pakistan tensions following recent attacks. Iran's Foreign Minister visits Pakistan to strengthen bilateral ties amid regional tensions. Sports news headlines for school assembly May 7, 2025 Mumbai Indians climb to No. 3 spot in IPL 2025 points table with a strong winning streak. Harry Kane wins his first career title as Bayern Munich clinches the Bundesliga championship. Casper Ruud triumphs at Madrid Open, securing his first Masters 1000 tennis title. Oscar Piastri completes a hat-trick of wins, extending his lead in the Formula 1 2025 season. Snooker player Zhao becomes China's first world snooker champion after a remarkable comeback. Education news headlines for school assembly (May 7, 2025) Madhya Pradesh Board declares Class 10th and 12th results for 2025; students can check online. IIT Madras launches five new free AI courses on SWAYAM Plus platform for learners nationwide. UIDAI conducts successful proof of concept for Aadhaar-based face authentication in NEET 2025 exams. Maharashtra HSC 2025 results announced; students can apply for mark verification until May 20. NID DAT 2025 mains result declared; candidates can apply for rechecking till May 7. State news headlines for school assembly (May 7, 2025) Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹58,000 crore in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh. Major urban infrastructure projects including Legislative Assembly and High Court buildings launched in Amaravati. DRDO's Nava Durga Missile Testing Range project begins at Nagayalanka, Andhra Pradesh, enhancing defence capabilities. Top business and economic news headlines for May 7, 2025 India will have 123 million electric vehicles on the road by 2032, signalling a massive EV revolution. RBI's draft norms are expected to slow down gold loan asset growth of NBFCs, impacting lending dynamics. Apple plans to appeal the Epic Games case contempt ruling related to its App Store policies. OpenAI abandons its for-profit ownership model, reorganising as a public benefit organisation. The share of gold in India's foreign exchange reserves has doubled in the last four years, according to a central bank report. Daily word and thought of the day for school assembly, May 7, 2025 Word of the Day for May 7, 2025: Macho - an adjective meaning manly or butch. Macho - an adjective meaning manly or butch. Thought of the Day for May 7, 2025: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." – Winston Churchill. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Deccan Herald
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
India seeks to halt auction of Buddhist relics by Sotheby's Hong Kong, sends legal notice
New Delhi: Days before going under the hammer at Sotheby's Hong Kong, India has stepped in to halt the auction of a portion of sacred Buddhist relics, which were excavated in the northern part of the country in 1898, and demanded their Ministry of Culture said in a statement on Monday that it has issued a "legal notice to Sotheby's Hong Kong", seeking "immediate cessation of the auction" scheduled for May was no immediate reaction from the auction overhauls teaching in Himalayan Buddhist monasteries to counter China."These relics, excavated from the Piprahwa Stupa -- widely recognised as the ancient city of Kapilavastu, the birthplace of Lord Buddha -- hold immense historical and spiritual significance," the statement Piprahwa Relics, which include bone fragments, soapstone and crystal caskets, a sandstone coffer, and offerings such as gold ornaments and gemstones, were excavated by William Claxton Peppe in 1898, it inscription in Brahmi script on one of the caskets confirms these as relics of the Buddha deposited by the Sakya clan, the ministry majority of these relics were transferred to the Indian Museum in Kolkata in 1899 and are classified as 'AA' antiquities under the Indian law, prohibiting their removal or sale, the statement said..'While a portion of the bone relics was gifted to the King of Siam, a selection retained by Peppe's descendants has now been listed for auction," it a post on X, the culture ministry also shared a copy of the legal notice.."On behalf of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, this legal notice is hereby issued to Sotheby's Hong Kong and Chris Peppe, descendant of William Claxton Peppe, demanding the immediate cessation of the auction titled 'The Piprahwa Gems of the Historical Buddha, Mauryan Empire, Ashokan Era, circa 240-200 BCE', scheduled for May 7, 2025,' the notice read.
NDTV
05-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
India Intervenes As Hong Kong Set To Auction Buddha's Sacred Jewels
Quick Take Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. The Ministry of Culture issued a legal notice to Sotheby's over the auction. The auction involves 1,800 jewels linked to the Buddha. The relics, discovered in 1898, hold significant historical and spiritual value. New Delhi: The Ministry of Culture on Monday said it has sent a legal notice to Sotheby's in Hong Kong, asking the auction house to immediately halt the upcoming sale of the Buddha's sacred jewels and return the artefacts to India. Nearly 1,800 jewels - pearls, rubies, sapphires, topaz, garnets, coral, amethysts, rock crystals, shells and gold - were discovered alongside bone fragments identified as belonging to the Buddha, from a stupa in Piprahwa, near his birthplace in Uttar Pradesh in 1898. The items are scheduled to be auctioned on Wednesday, with Sotheby's estimating the value at around HK$100 million (around Rs 107 crore). In a statement, the culture ministry said it has gathered information on the auction and issued a legal notice to Sotheby's. "The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) also requested the Consulate General of Hong Kong to take up the matter with authorities there demanding the immediate cessation of the auction," it said. In its statement, the Centre said the relics, which assume immense historical and spiritual significance, were excavated by William Claxton Peppe in 1898. "An inscription in Brahmi script on one of the caskets confirms these as relics of the Buddha, deposited by the Sakya clan," it said. A majority of these relics were transferred to the Indian Museum in Kolkata in 1899 and are classified as 'AA' antiquities under Indian law, prohibiting their removal or sale, it added. While a portion of the bone relics was gifted to the King of Siam, a selection retained by Peppe's descendants has now been listed for auction, it said. The culture ministry said the Financial Investigation Unit (FIU) has been asked to coordinate with its counterpart in Hong Kong to highlight the illegality of the auction and ensure compliance with international laws. "The Ministry of Culture remains steadfast in its efforts to protect India's cultural heritage and ensure the repatriation of the Piprahwa Relics. We call upon Sotheby's Hong Kong to immediately withdraw the relics from auction and cooperate with Indian authorities to return these sacred artifacts to their rightful place," the statement said. Sotheby's Response To India's Notice The ministry, in its statement, said that Ivy Wong, Associate General Counsel, Sotheby's, responded to the notice and assured "full attention" in the matter. Earlier, Nicolas Chow, chairman of Sotheby's Asia, called the relics "among the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries of all time". The auction house described the offering as being "of unparalleled religious, archaeological and historical importance", as per The Guardian. Chris Peppe, great-grandson of William Claxton Peppe and one of the current owners, defended the decision to sell the relics. He said the family explored donating the items to temples and museums, but ran into obstacles. The auction was "the fairest and most transparent way to transfer these relics to Buddhists," he told the BBC.
