Culture

Tipu Sultan’s sword sold for a whopping Rs 140 crore at London auction

The sword of 18th century Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan fetched a whopping price of 14 million pounds (Rs 140 crore)) at an auction held in London.

Auction house Bonhams, which organised the sale on Tuesday, said the price was seven times the expected estimate. Bonhams also said that the bedchamber sword was the most important of the weapons with proven personal association with the ruler. Tipu Sultan fought several wars against the Marathas and the British during the late 18th century.

“This spectacular sword is the greatest of all the weapons linked to Tipu Sultan still in private hands. Its close personal association with the Sultan, its impeccable provenance traceable to the very day it was captured, and the outstanding craftsmanship that went into its manufacture make it unique and highly desirable,” said Oliver White, Bonhams Head of Islamic and Indian Art and auctioneer.

The sword was found in the private quarters of Tipu Sultan’s palace.

After Tipu Sultan was killed, his sword was presented to British Major General David Baird as a token of his courage, according to the auction house.

“The sword has an extraordinary history, an astonishing provenance and unrivalled craftsmanship. It was no surprise it was so hotly contested between two phone bidders and a bidder in the room. We are delighted with the result,” Nima Sagharchi, group head of Islamic and Indian Art at Bonhams, said in a statement.

IN Bureau

Recent Posts

Last set of disengagement between India, China concluded on October 21, says EAM Jaishankar

India and China concluded the last lot of disengagement on October 21 and the implementation…

2 mins ago

Pakistan: Baloch activist expresses outrage over Mastung bomb blast

Baloch "pro-independence" leader Allah Nazar Baloch has expressed outrage over the recent bomb blast near…

10 mins ago

“Buddhism shows world how to counter sectarianism”: President Droupadi Murmu at Asian Buddhist Summit

President Droupadi Murmu graced the first Asian Buddhist Summit, organised by the Ministry of Culture,…

2 hours ago

Pakistan: Teachers agitate over non-payment of salaries for eight months

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has failed to pay the salaries to teachers of non-formal girls'…

2 hours ago

“Whatever the verdict, our relationship with US will only grow”: EAM Jaishankr on US Presidential Elections

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a joint presser with his Australian Counterpart Penny Wong,…

4 hours ago

‘Political space given to extremist forces’: EAM Jaishankar on attacks on Hindu temples in Canada

External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar expressed concerns about the recent attacks on the Hindu temples…

5 hours ago