An 18th-century royal weapon, once belonging to Tipu Sultan – a significant ruler in southern India’s history, was sold for a whopping £14 million ($17.4 million) at a London auction.
Bonhams, the auction house, announced that the sale price shattered all estimates by a factor of seven and set a new record for an Indian and Islamic artifact sold at auction.
Nima Sagharchi, the head of Islamic and Indian Art at Bonhams, said about the sword, “Its exceptional historical significance, remarkable provenance, and superior craftsmanship make it extraordinary.”
“The fierce bidding battle between two phone contestants and one in the auction room was anticipated. We’re thrilled with the outcome,” he added.
Tipu Sultan, also known as the “Tiger of Mysore,” ruled Mysore in southern India from 1782 to 1799. The auction house noted his reputation for his staunch defence of his kingdom. He is credited for pioneering rocket artillery use in warfare and turning Mysore into India’s most vibrant economy.
On May 4, 1799, Tipu was defeated and killed by British forces when they besieged his capital, Seringapatam (currently Srirangapatna).
Following his death, the sword, discovered in the private chambers of his palace, was handed over to British Major General David Baird as a mark of his bravery, as reported by Bonhams.
The sword, always by Tipu’s side as he slept in a hammock hanging from his bedchamber’s ceiling, boasts a handle adorned with golden calligraphy – displaying “five attributes of God and two supplications to God,” per the auction house. Crafted by Mughal swordsmiths using a design of German blades introduced in the 16th century, the edge has an elegant Persian inscription, “The sword of the ruler.”
Bonhams’ CEO Bruno Vinciguerra spoke highly of the artifact before the auction, “This magnificent sword is the most significant of all the weapons associated with Tipu Sultan still privately owned. Its intimate connection with the Sultan, its impeccably traced provenance back to the day it was seized, and the outstanding skill in its creation make it a truly unique and highly coveted piece.”
The acquisition of such a historically significant item provides a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of Indian history, especially those associated with a ruler as renowned as Tipu Sultan. This incredible sale also highlights the growing global interest in, and appreciation for, artifacts that shed light on the rich history and culture of the Indian subcontinent. The sword’s fascinating journey from the battlefield to the auction block is a testament to the enduring legacy of Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore.
