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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
David Batty

‘A joyous day’: India celebrates return of ancient gems linked to the Buddha

Many small gem stones lined up nicely on a black felt background
The Piprahwa gems, dating from c. 240-200 BC, have been bought through a private-public partnership with the Indian government. Photograph: Sotheby's

The Indian government has secured the repatriation of ancient gem relics linked to the Buddha’s remains, two months after it halted their auction in Hong Kong.

In a post on X, the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, said the return of the Piprahwa gems after 127 years was “a joyous day for our cultural heritage”.

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