India Presents Ancient Gems Linked to Buddha - Lost Buddhist gems return to India after 127 years of colonial exile
A rare collection of over 300 gemstones and jewellery pieces linked to Buddha has gone on display in New Delhi. The exhibition marks the first time these sacred artefacts, discovered during British colonial rule, have been shown publicly in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened the event, calling it a 'very special day' for those interested in Buddhist history.
The gems were originally unearthed in 1898 by British archaeologist William Claxton Peppe in Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh. Believed to date back to around 200 BCE, most were handed over to colonial authorities, though Peppe kept a portion for himself. Over a century later, his great-grandson, Chris Peppe, attempted to sell the collection at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong in May 2025, setting a starting bid of $1.2 million (around €1 million).
The auction was abruptly stopped after an Indian court ruled the jewels 'non-saleable religious and cultural heritage of India and the global Buddhist community.' Following the legal intervention, an Indian conglomerate—working with the government—acquired the gems at an undisclosed price. Now, the entire collection is accessible to the public for the first time since its discovery. The exhibition offers a rare glimpse into Buddhist heritage, bringing together artefacts long separated by colonial history.
The gems are now permanently housed in India, ending decades of private ownership abroad. Their public display follows legal action to prevent their sale and a coordinated effort to repatriate them. The exhibition provides direct access to a significant part of Buddhist cultural history.
