India seeks to stop auction of jewels linked to Buddha remains1 day ago Share Save Nikita Yadav BBC News, Delhi Share SaveSotheby's The jewels are being sold by a descendant of an Englishman who excavated themThe Indian government has threatened to take legal action against Sotheby's in Hong Kong unless they stop an upcoming auction of jewels linked to the Buddha's remains and requested their return to India. India's ministry of culture has said the sale "violates Indian and international laws as well as UN conventions", and asked for the jewels should be treated as sacred. The post said that Peppé "lacks authority" to sell the relics and accused the auction house of participating in "continued colonial exploitation" by facilitating the sale. Jewels linked to Buddha remains go to auction, sparking ethical debate William Claxton Peppé was an English estate manager who excavated a stupa at Piprahwa, just south of Lumbini, the believed birthplace of Buddha. Icon Films The jewels were unearthed from this stupa in Piprahwa, which is now part of Uttar Pradesh state