CNN
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India’s government has slammed the proposed sale of a dazzling cache of jewels linked to the remains of the Buddha and called for their return to India, where they were dug up more than a century ago by a British colonial official.
The collection of “gem relics” — including amethysts, pearls, carnelians, shell and embossed gold sheets — is set to go up for auction in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
Described by Sotheby’s auction house as having “unparalleled religious, archaeological and historical importance,” the gem relics are considered sacred by many Buddhists, who believe they are the corporeal remains of the Buddha.
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