Piprahwa Relics

The Piprahwa Relics are an important historical and religious discovery that have recently been returned to India.

About the Piprahwa Relics

The Piprahwa Relics are directly associated with the mortal remains of Lord Buddha. These relics are believed to be from the time when Lord Buddha was cremated, and they hold great religious significance, especially for Buddhists worldwide.

Key Features of the Relics

• Contents: The relics primarily include bone fragments, soapstone and crystal caskets, a sandstone coffer, as well as offerings such as gold ornaments and gemstones.

• Brahmi Inscription: One of the caskets has an inscription in Brahmi script, confirming that the relics were associated with the Sakya clan, the family of Lord Buddha.

Discovery of the Piprahwa Relics

• Year of Discovery: The relics were discovered in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé, a British estate manager and engineer.

• Location: The relics were found in a stupa located at Piprahwa, which lies just south of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha in present-day Nepal.

• Ownership: After the discovery, the British crown claimed the find under the 1878 Indian Treasure Trove Act, and the bone and ash fragments were subsequently presented as a gift to King Chulalongkorn of Siam (now Thailand).

• Transfer to India: Most of these relics were transferred to the Indian Museum, Kolkata, in 1899.

Significance

• Historical and Religious Importance: The Piprahwa Relics are considered one of the most significant archaeological and religious discoveries in the context of Buddhism. They serve as a direct link to Lord Buddha, making them invaluable both historically and spiritually.

• Classification: Under Indian law, the relics are classified as ‘AA’ antiquities, which means they are considered of the highest cultural and historical importance, and their removal or sale is prohibited.