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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
David Batty

India tries to halt auction of Piprahwa gems found with Buddha’s remains

array of ancient gems
The Piprahwa gems of the historical Buddha, Mauryan Empire, Ashokan era, circa 240-200BC. Photograph: Sotheby's

The Indian government has issued a legal notice to halt the “unethical” auction of ancient gem relics, which it said should be treated as the sacred body of the Buddha.

Its Ministry of Culture said the auction of the Piprahwa gems in Hong Kong this week “violates Indian and international laws, as well as United Nations conventions”, and demanded their repatriation to India “for preservation and religious veneration”.

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