Buddhism, Brahmi & Broken Laws: The Piprahwa Relics Controversy Explained: Sample Q&A

The Piprahwa Discovery: A 127-Year-Old Secret
In 1898, British archaeologist William Peppe unearthed five crystal caskets buried 18 feet deep at Piprahwa (ancient Kapilavastu, Uttar Pradesh). The most stunning find? A gold-leaf casket with Brahmi script declaring: “Relics of Lord Buddha, donated by the Sakya clan” – Buddha’s own kin. For over a century, these 3rd-century BC treasures, including 221 gems and a sandstone coffer, lay hidden in Kolkata’s Indian Museum vaults. Now, India battles to reclaim smuggled fragments from a Sotheby’s auction.

Why This Matters for Exams
History & Culture: Piprahwa links to Emperor Ashoka, who built stupas over Buddha’s relics. Its Brahmi inscription (India’s oldest script) validates Buddhist texts.
Antiquities Protection: India invoked the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 to halt the auction. This law bans unauthorized export of artifacts over 100 years old.
Buddhism’s Core: The relics symbolize Buddha’s teachings: the Four Noble Truths (suffering, cause, cessation, path) and Eightfold Path (right view, intention, speech, etc.).

Key Connections to Syllabus
Buddhist Councils: Piprahwa ties to the 3rd Council (250 BC, Patna) under Ashoka, which expanded Buddhism globally.
Decline of Buddhism: Despite Ashoka’s efforts (see Sanchi Stupa), Buddhism faded in India by 12th century CE due to Hindu revival and Islamic invasions.
Map Work: Piprahwa joins key sites like Lumbini (birth), Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), Sarnath (first sermon), and Kushinagar (death) in the Buddhist Circuit.
“These relics aren’t art – they’re sacred embodiments of faith.”
– Khushi Kesari, Heritage Scholar
India’s Legal Fight: What’s at Stake?
In 2024, Peppe’s descendants tried auctioning relic fragments via Sotheby’s Hong Kong. India’s Culture Ministry issued a legal notice, forcing a postponement. But the battle continues:
Global Concern: Auctioning relics commercializes spiritual heritage.
Exam Alert: Know how the 1972 Act empowers India to reclaim smuggled artifacts.
 

Sample Q&A for Exam Prep
Q: Where were the Piprahwa relics discovered, and what script authenticated them?
A: Piprahwa, UP (1898). Brahmi script on the casket.
Q: Which emperor’s stupa housed the Piprahwa relics?
A: Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE).
Q: Name India’s law used to block the Piprahwa relics auction.
A: Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972.
Q: What are the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism?
A: Suffering exists; desire causes it; cessation is possible; the Eightfold Path leads to cessation.
Q: Where was Buddhism’s 3rd council held, and under whose patronage?
A: Patna (250 BCE), Emperor Ashoka.