Tipu Sultan Sword Auction: The auction of a sword found in the private chamber of Tipu Sultan, the 18th century ruler of Mysore, has broken all records. It was auctioned for £14 million at this week’s Islamic and Indian art sale in London. According to Indian rupees, its cost will be around 143 crores. The sword of Tipu Sultan, who ruled from 1782 to 1799, is called ‘Sukhela’, the symbol of power.
This sword of Tipu Sultan is made of steel and has been beautifully carved in gold. It was presented to General David Baird by the East India Company 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 happened in May 1799.
Included in Tipu’s personal arms
Oliver White, head of Islamic and Indian art and auctioneer at Bonhams, said in a statement ahead of the sale on Tuesday (May 23) that this magnificent sword is the finest of all the weapons belonging to Tipu Sultan still in private hands. He said that the Sultan had a close personal association with it and its exquisite craftsmanship makes it unique.
According to sources, the value of the sword was between 1,500,000 and 2,000,000 GBP but it was sold for an estimated 14,080,900, if converted to rupees, it would be more than 115 crores. Neema Sagarchi, group head of Islamic and Indian art, said the sword has an extraordinary history and unmatched craftsmanship.
The group leader said that two people bid through the phone, while one person in the room bid and there was a heated competition between them. In May of 1799, after the destruction of Tipu Sultan’s royal citadel at Srirangapatna, many weapons were removed from his palace. In this, some weapons were considered very close to him.
It was created by Mughal sword makers after the model of German blades introduced in India in the sixteenth century. Craftsmen have shown the performance by sleeping very smoothly on the place where the sword is held.
