From ruins of Delhi’s first city to Buddha’s relics: How a 12th-century monument is gearing up for the Piprahwa gems exhibit

Tucked away in a corner on a busy road in South Delhi’s Mehrauli, the park looks like any other urban park, save for the massive statue of 12th century ruler Prithviraj Chauhan perched atop a recently constructed hall.

In the days to come, this nondescript 12th-century monument, which contains the ruins of the first city of Delhi — Rai Pithora — will make its mark in public memory for another reason: as the spot where Lord Buddha’s Piprahwa relics will be exhibited for the first time since they were excavated from ancient Kapilvastu nearly 130 years ago.

Likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi this month, the Qila Rai Pithora exhibition, being put up by the Ministry of Culture, will boast yet another first — the Piprahwa jewels will be displayed alongside the Buddhis