The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One

This historic exposition marks the reunification of the Piprahwa gem relics of Lord Buddha—repatriated to India after 127 years, with relics, gem relics, and reliquaries discovered during excavations at the Piprahwa site in 1898 and between 1971 and 1975.

Bringing together more than 80 objects spanning from the 6th century BCE to the present, the exhibition presents sculptures, manuscripts, thangkas, ritual objects, and sacred relics drawn from several cultural institutions under the Ministry of Culture. These objects represent one of the most extensive assemblages associated with the Buddha, reflecting profound spiritual symbolism, refined craftsmanship, and enduring cultural significance.

For the first time since their discovery in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé at an ancient stupa linked with Kapilavastu, relics from multiple collections have been brought together. The display includes relics from the 1898 excavation, objects from the 1970s excavations at Piprahwa, reliquaries preserved at the Indian Museum, Kolkata, recently repatriated relics from the Peppé family collection, and the monolithic stone coffer in which the gem relics were originally found.

The return of the Piprahwa relics to India in 2025 marks a significant moment in cultural heritage preservation, highlighting India’s role as the birthplace of Buddhism and reaffirming its global spiritual legacy.