Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the relics’ return symbolises India reclaiming its cultural and spiritual legacy that was taken away during the colonial period. He noted that the relics, removed from the country under British rule, were later treated merely as antiquities and even considered for auction in international markets. “India took a firm stand to protect its heritage and ensured these sacred remains returned to their rightful home,” he said.
The relics were originally discovered in 1898 during excavations at Piprahwa, located in the Kapilvastu region of present-day Siddharthnagar district in Uttar Pradesh. The excavation was conducted by British-era engineer William Claxton Peppé. Following their discovery, the remains were taken out of India, where they remained for over a century.
Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the role of the Godrej Group in facilitating the return of the relics, thanking the organisation for its cooperation in ensuring that the sacred remains were brought back to India. He described the effort as an example of responsible stewardship of cultural heritage.
The exhibition features the Piprahwa relics associated with the distribution of Lord Buddha’s remains after his Mahaparinirvana. Alongside these, important archaeological materials preserved at the National Museum in New Delhi and conserved by the Indian Museum in Kolkata are also on display, offering visitors a comprehensive view of India’s ancient Buddhist legacy.
Sharing photographs from the event on social media platform X, the Prime Minister called January 3 a special day for those connected with history, culture, and the ideals of Lord Buddha. He said the exhibition would help spread Buddha’s message of peace and compassion while strengthening the younger generation’s connection with India’s civilisational roots.
Urging people to visit the exhibition, PM Modi said experiencing the Piprahwa heritage firsthand would deepen public understanding of India’s spiritual traditions. Officials said the exhibition is expected to attract scholars, devotees, and visitors from across the country and abroad in the coming days.
