Page 45 - NIS English 1-15 Feb, 2026

Piprahwa Relics | NATION

Piprahwa Relics repatriated
after more than a century

n The exhibition was presented for the first time with authentic
relics and archaeological materials related to Pipprahwa.
n Discovered in 1898, the Piprahwa relics hold a central place
in the archaeological study of early Buddhism. These are
among the earliest and most historically significant relic
deposits directly connected to Bhagwan Buddha.
n Archaeological evidence associates the Piprahwa site with
ancient Kapilavastu. The exhibition highlights India's deep
and continuous civilizational connection with the teachings
of Lord Buddha.
n The recent repatriation of these relics has been achieved
through sustained government effort, institutional
cooperation and innovative public-private partnership.
n Other sections include Piprahwa Revisited, Vignettes of the
Life of Buddha’s, among others.
n The exposition is supported by a comprehensive audio-
visual components. These elements provide accessible
insights into the life of Bhagwan Buddha.

India Leads Efforts to Develop Buddhist Sites Worldwide
n When a devastating earthquake struck Nepal, centre have been established in Bodh Gaya.
damaging ancient stupas, India provided assistance n Modern facilities have been built in Shravasti,
for their reconstruction. Kapilavastu, and Kushinagar.
n Following the earthquake in Bagan, Myanmar, India n New facilities have been developed for pilgrims at
helped conserve more than 11 pagodas. Sanchi, Nagarjuna Sagar, and Amravati.
n A magnificent museum has been built in Vadnagar, n A Buddhist circuit is being created in the country to
Gujarat, offering an experience of nearly 2,500 years ensure better connectivity to all Buddhist pilgrimage
of history. sites in India.
n A major Buddhist site from the Buddhist period has n As the Abhidhamma and teachings of Lord Buddha
been discovered in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir. are in Pali language, the government has granted Pali
Conservation work is now being expedited. classical language status to promote wider access.
n A convention centre and a meditation and experience

fortune to visit Buddhist pilgrimage sites around the QILA RAI PITHORA, A CRADLE OF
world. PM remarked that after 125 years of waiting, INDIA’S GLORIOUS HISTORY
India’s heritage has returned and India’s legacy has The Prime Minister remarked that the place where
come back. From today the people of India will be this exhibition has been set up is itself special. He
able to witness these sacred relics of Lord Buddha highlighted that the site of Qila Rai Pithora is a land
and receive his blessings. PM Modi remarked that of India’s glorious history, where nearly a thousand
Wherever I travelled, I made it my effort to bring a years ago former rulers established a city surround-
symbol of Lord Buddha’s legacy among the people ed by strong and sturdy walls. Within this same his-
there. He highlighted that in China, Japan, Korea, torical city complex, a spiritual and virtuous chapter
and Mongolia, he carried saplings of the Bodhi tree. of history unfolded. n

February 1-15, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 43