For the first time in India, the sacred relics of the Buddha, including bone fragments discovered at Piprahwa in 1898, are set to be exhibited alongside relic jewels taken to the UK during the colonial era. The exhibition will be hosted at Qila Rai Pithora in Delhi and is expected to be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi later this month, with the exact date yet to be confirmed.
According to reports, the relics were repatriated to India after being purchased at a Hong Kong auction in July, marking a significant milestone for the Ministry of Culture in reclaiming the nation’s heritage. After more than a century abroad, the remarkable collection of jewels linked to the relics of the Buddha were returned to India. Known as the Piprahwa Gems of the Historical Buddha, the trove comprises hundreds of precious stones of significant historical and cultural value. The collection was due to be auctioned by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong this May, but the sale was halted following legal intervention prompted by the Indian government, which had raised strong objections and threatened legal action.
Visitors will be able to view over 75 original artefacts alongside digital reproductions from leading museums, blending archaeology, diplomacy, art and spirituality. The collection traces Buddhism’s artistic evolution from the Mauryan period to modern times. The Piprahwa relics comprise bone fragments, caskets, gemstones and gold ornaments, featuring semi-precious stones such as carnelian, amethyst, garnet and coral.
Piprahwa, a village near Siddharthnagar city in Uttar Pradesh’s Siddharthnagar district, is renowned for its important archaeological site. Excavations suggest it may be the burial place of a portion of the Buddha’s ashes, entrusted to his own Shakya clan. The site features a large stupa, the ruins of several monasteries, and a museum showcasing the findings.
Nearby, at the adjacent mound of Ganwaria, ancient residential complexes and shrines have also been uncovered. Some scholars believe that the combined Piprahwa-Ganwaria area corresponds to the ancient city of Kapilavastu, the capital of the Shakya kingdom, where Siddhartha Gautama—the Buddha—spent the first 29 years of his life.
The relics will be housed in a circular building within Qila Rai Pithora, one of Delhi’s oldest surviving fort complexes, dating back to the 12th century. Once ruled by Prithviraj Chauhan, the fort was taken over by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from the Delhi Development Authority in 2003. Recent conservation and restoration work has revitalised the site, with new pathways, landscaped green areas and an emergency exit added to make it more visitor-friendly. Parking capacity has been expanded, and a fully air-conditioned conservation centre of approximately 120 square metres has been constructed at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore, ensuring the fort is well-equipped to host the landmark exhibition.
India has so far retrieved 655 antiquities, 642 of them in the past decade alone, highlighting the country’s commitment to heritage preservation. This exhibition, combining historic relics, colonial-era jewels and contemporary museum reproductions, offers visitors a rare glimpse into the spiritual, artistic and historical legacy of the Buddha.
What relics will be on display?
The exhibition will feature a portion of the Buddha’s remains discovered at Piprahwa in 1898, alongside relic jewels taken to the UK during the colonial era. Artefacts include bone fragments, caskets, gemstones, gold ornaments, and semi-precious stones such as carnelian, amethyst, garnet, and coral.
When and where is the exhibition taking place?
The relics will be displayed at Qila Rai Pithora, a historic fort in Delhi, with the inauguration expected by the end of this month. The exact date is yet to be finalised.
Why is this exhibition significant?
This is the first time such an extensive collection of rare Buddha relics will be exhibited in India. It highlights India’s civilisational continuity and the government’s efforts to reclaim and preserve the nation’s cultural heritage.
How has Qila Rai Pithora been prepared for visitors?
The Archaeological Survey of India has restored the fort, adding new pathways, landscaped green areas, an emergency exit, expanded parking, and a 120-square-metre fully air-conditioned conservation centre to enhance visitor experience.
What can visitors expect from the exhibition?
The exhibition will feature over 75 original artefacts alongside digital reproductions, showcasing the artistic and spiritual evolution of Buddhism from the Mauryan period to modern times. Visitors can explore the relics, artefacts, and jewellery in a carefully curated historical setting.