India, May 5 -- The Government of India issued the following news release:
The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has taken swift and comprehensive measures to prevent the auction of the sacred Piprahwa Relics by Sotheby's Hong Kong, underscoring India's commitment to protecting its cultural and religious heritage. These relics, excavated from the Piprahwa Stupa-widely recognized as the ancient city of Kapilavastu, the birthplace of Lord Buddha-hold immense historical and spiritual significance.
The 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 on...