PM Modi Welcomes Sacred Buddha Relics Home After 127 Years

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the return of the sacred Piprahwa relics of Bhagwan Buddha to India after 127 years.
• He called it a proud moment for India’s cultural heritage, reflecting the ‘Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi’ ethos.
• The relics, discovered in 1898 and taken during the colonial period, were successfully repatriated after appearing in an international auction earlier this year.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 30th July: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed immense joy and pride over the return of the sacred Piprahwa relics of Bhagwan Buddha to India, after an absence of 127 years. He lauded the event as a significant moment for the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

In a statement aligning with the government’s “Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi” (Development as well as Heritage) philosophy, the Prime Minister underscored India’s profound reverence for Bhagwan Buddha’s teachings and its steadfast commitment to preserving its spiritual and historical legacy.

In a series of posts on X, Shri Modi wrote: “A joyous day for our cultural heritage! It would make every Indian proud that the sacred Piprahwa relics of Bhagwan Buddha have come home after 127 long years. These sacred relics highlight India’s close association with Bhagwan Buddha and his noble teachings. It also illustrates our commitment to preserving and protecting different aspects of our glorious culture. #VikasBhiVirasatBhi.”

He further recalled that the Piprahwa relics, believed to be associated with the mortal remains of Lord Buddha, were initially discovered in 1898 but were subsequently taken from India during the colonial period. “When they appeared in an international auction earlier this year, we worked to ensure they returned home. I appreciate all those who have been involved in this effort,” the Prime Minister added, acknowledging the collaborative efforts that led to their repatriation.

The Piprahwa relics, unearthed by British civil engineer William Claxton Peppé in 1898 from a stupa in Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh, are considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Buddhist history. An inscription found with the relics identifies them as belonging to the Shakya family, who deposited the ashes and bones after the Buddha’s cremation. Their attempted auction in Hong Kong in May 2025 prompted swift intervention by the Indian government through diplomatic and legal channels, culminating in their successful return.