Sotheby's Postpones Controversial Buddha Jewels Auction

Sotheby's has postponed an auction set to feature jewels linked to the remains of Buddha after facing opposition from the Indian government. The decision was made following a demand from the Ministry of Culture for the sale to be halted, citing violations of Indian laws and international conventions.

Discovered in northern India in 1898, these jewels were unearthed along with corporeal relics of the historical Buddha and date back to approximately 240-200 BC. India's Ministry highlighted the profound religious and cultural significance of these relics, calling for their return and a public apology from Sotheby's and Chris Peppé, a descendant of the archaeologist who excavated them.

Sotheby's, acknowledging the concerns raised by the Indian government, announced the auction's postponement. The auction house expressed willingness to engage in discussions with involved parties and will provide future updates. Many of the auction's online pages have since been removed, and the Indian Ministry expressed satisfaction with the postponement.

(With inputs from agencies.)