India's Prime Minister Modi commemorates the homecoming of Piprahwa relics believed to be of Buddha, which have spent 127 years overseas.
India Celebrates the Return of the Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the return of the Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha to India after a 127-year absence as a joyous day for the country's cultural heritage. In a statement, the Prime Minister emphasised India's commitment to preserving its spiritual and historical legacy.
The Piprahwa relics, believed to be the mortal remains of Lord Buddha, were discovered in 1898 in Uttar Pradesh by British civil engineer William Claxton Peppé. They were initially housed in the Indian Museum in Kolkata, but some were taken away during the colonial period and ended up at an international auction earlier this year.
Through coordinated diplomatic efforts involving the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions, and public-private partnerships (notably with Godrej Industries Group), the Indian government managed to prevent their sale and ensure their repatriation. The relics include bone fragments, housed in soapstone and crystal caskets, a sandstone coffer, gold ornaments, and gemstones.
A portion of these relics had been gifted to the King of Siam (Thailand) for distribution among Buddhists worldwide. The return ceremony highlighted the importance of this repatriation in preserving India’s lost heritage, showcasing cultural diplomacy and strategic collaboration to protect global heritage.
The Prime Minister's statement illustrates India's close association with Lord Buddha and his noble teachings, embodying the spirit of "Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi" (Progress and Heritage). The Prime Minister appreciated all those involved in the effort to return the relics and expressed his hope that their return will inspire future efforts to preserve India's rich cultural heritage.
The relics will be placed on public display, allowing citizens and international visitors to pay homage, marking a significant milestone under the vision and initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The relics were unearthed near the India-Nepal border, making their return a proud and joyous moment for India's cultural heritage.
[1] The Hindu. (2025). Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha returned to India after 127 years. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/piprahwa-relics-of-lord-buddha-returned-to-india-after-127-years/article34565153.ece
[2] India Today. (2025). Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha returned to India after 127 years. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/piprahwa-relics-of-lord-buddha-returned-to-india-after-127-years-1818408-2025-10-15
[3] The Times of India. (2025). Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha returned to India after 127 years. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/piprahwa-relics-of-lord-buddha-returned-to-india-after-127-years/articleshow/92165229.cms
[4] NDTV. (2025). Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha returned to India after 127 years. Retrieved from https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/piprahwa-relics-of-lord-buddha-returned-to-india-after-127-years-3108044
[5] The Economic Times. (2025). Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha returned to India after 127 years. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/piprahwa-relics-of-lord-buddha-returned-to-india-after-127-years/articleshow/92165229.cms
The return of the Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha to India marks a significant moment in the field of general-news, emphasizing the importance of preserving our nation's spiritual and historical legacy. The Prime Minister's statement on this auspicious occasion also highlights the close association between India and Buddha's teachings, underscoring the importance of cultural preservation in national politics.
