31st July 2025 (13 Topics)
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Return of Piprahwa Relics
Context:
The sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha, once scheduled for auction in Hong Kong, have been successfully repatriated to India through a strategic public-private partnership.
Discovery and Provenance:
- The Piprahwa relics were discovered in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé, a British civil engineer, in Piprahwa, Siddharthnagar district, Uttar Pradesh.
- These relics are associated with the mortal remains of Lord Buddha and are considered among the earliest archaeological links to Buddhism in India.
- The relics are believed to date back to the 3rd century BCE and were likely enshrined by Shakyas, the clan to which Gautama Buddha belonged.
Significance of Repatriation:
- This act of cultural repatriation reflects India’s assertive stance on reclaiming spiritual and historical artefacts as part of its global heritage mission.
Broader Cultural Diplomacy:
- The initiative is aligned with India’s increasing use of soft power and cultural diplomacy, particularly in its outreach to Buddhist-majority countries in South and Southeast Asia.
- It enhances India’s image as the custodian of global Buddhist heritage and strengthens its civilisational leadership narrative.
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