Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Buddha

On 3 January 2026, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Thailand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics related to Bhagwan Buddha in New Delhi.

The Piprahwa relics are considered highly significant for India’s Buddhist heritage because of their religious, archaeological and cultural importance. They are associated with relics believed to be connected with Lord Buddha himself.

Aspect	Details
Sacred Relics	The Piprahwa relics are believed to contain relics related to Lord Buddha.
Excavation	They were excavated by William Claxton Peppé in 1898 at the Piprahwa Stupa in Uttar Pradesh.
Heritage Importance	The relics hold major religious, archaeological and cultural significance for India’s Buddhist heritage.

In Brief

Granth Kutir: On 23 January 2026, the President of India inaugurated Granth Kutir, which has a rich collection of manuscripts and books in 11 classical languages.
Claxton Peppé: In 1898, he classified the relics at Piprahwa Stupa as belonging to Buddha himself.
Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972: Protects antiquities, art treasures and archaeological objects.

Note

The relics have been classified as “AA” antiquities, the highest level of legal protection.
They are protected under the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972.

PT Facts

Date: 3 January 2026.
Relics: Sacred Piprahwa relics related to Bhagwan Buddha.
Excavator: William Claxton Peppé.
Excavation Year: 1898.
Protection: Classified as “AA” antiquities.
Law: Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972.

Source:

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