Tipu Sultan Sword: Tipu Sultan's sword sold for Rs 143 crore in London, new record in auction

 

The bedchamber sword of Tipu Sultan, ruler of 18th century Mysore, has been auctioned in the UK. The auction of the sword broke all records for the auction of an Indian object. It sold for £14 million (GBP) at this week's Islamic and Indian art sale.

The sword of Tipu Sultan, who ruled from 1782 to 1799, is called 'Sukhela' - the symbol of power. The talwan is made of steel and has exquisite gold carvings on it. It was found in Tipu Sultan's private chamber and was presented by the East India Company to General David Baird as a token of their high regard for his courage and conduct in the attack.

Tipu Sultan was killed in this attack, who is known as 'Tiger of Mysore'. This attack took place in May 1799. Oliver White, head of Islamic and Indian art and auctioneer at Bonhams, said in a statement ahead of the sale on Tuesday that the magnificent sword is the finest of all Tipu Sultan weapons still in private hands.

The Sultan had a deep personal connection with it and its exquisite craftsmanship makes it unique and highly desirable, he added. The sword was valued between GBP 1,500,000 and 2,000,000 but sold for an estimated 14,080,900. Neema Sagarchi, group head of Islamic and Indian art, said the sword has an extraordinary history and unmatched craftsmanship.

Two people bid via phone while one person in the room bid and there was a heated competition between them. In May 1799 Tipu Sultan's royal citadel at Srirangapatna was destroyed and many weapons were removed from his palace.

Some weapons in this were very close to him. Made by Mughal sword makers after the model of the German blade introduced in India in the 16th century, the hilt bears calligraphy glorifying Allah in gold.