Tipu Sultan’s Sword Sold For Rs 143 Crore At London Auction, Breaks Record

New Delhi: Tipu Sultan’s bedchamber sword has been bought for 14 million kilos ($17.4 million or Rs 143 crore) at Bonhams Islamic and Indian Artwork sale, an public sale home in London. 

It is a new public sale world file for an Indian and Islamic object. 

In response to a press launch by Bonhams, the sword was estimated at round 1,500,000-2,000,000 kilos. It additional acknowledged that the sword was arguably the best and most vital of the weapons with a confirmed private affiliation with the ruler.

“This spectacular sword is the best of all of the weapons linked to Tipu Sultan nonetheless in non-public fingers. Its shut private affiliation with the Sultan, its impeccable provenance traceable to the very day it was captured, and the excellent craftsmanship that went into its manufacture make it distinctive and extremely fascinating,” mentioned Oliver White, Bonhams Head of Islamic and Indian Artwork and auctioneer.

“The sword has a rare historical past, an astonishing provenance and unrivalled craftsmanship. It was no shock it was so hotly contested between two telephone bidders and a bidder within the room. We’re delighted with the outcome,” mentioned Nima Sagharchi, Group Head of Islamic and Indian Artwork.

The assertion mentioned, “As described by Francis Buchanan in his on-the-spot account describing Tipu’s palace instantly after the siege, a sword lay inside attain of the Sultan whereas he slept. (On fixed alert towards assault, Tipu slept in a hammock suspended from the ceiling of his locked and bolted bedchamber with a pair of pistols and a sword by his aspect). The weapon is of outstanding high quality,” the assertion learn.

The blade, which is inscribed ‘The Sword of the Ruler’ is especially high quality. It was manufactured by Mughal swordsmiths following the mannequin of German blades launched to India within the sixteenth century. The hilt is inlaid in exquisitely executed gold calligraphy with 5 of the qualities of God and two invocations calling on God by identify,” it mentioned.