Tipu Sultan’s sword, which fugitive Mallya told was ill-fated, auctioned in London for Rs 143 crore

The bedchamber sword of Tipu Sultan, the 18th-century ruler of Mysore, has sold for £14 million ($174 million or Rs 143 crore) at Bonhams Islamic and Indian Art Sale, a London auction house. This is a new auction world record for an Indian and Islamic item. According to a press release by Bonhams the sword was estimated at around £1,500,000–2,000,000. Bonhams further stated that the sword was the most important weapon with a proven personal relationship with the ruler.

Oliver White, Bonhams head of Islamic and Indian art and auctions, said: “This magnificent sword is one of the greatest of all the weapons belonging to Tipu Sultan still in private hands. Its close personal association with the Sultan, its impeccable provenance the day it was captured, and the exquisite craftsmanship that went into its making make it unique and highly desirable. Let me tell you that there was a time when Vijay Mallya was fond of collecting things of historical importance. A history researcher has confirmed that fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya bought this sword in a 2004 auction for 1.5 crores.

Neema Sagarchi, group head of Islamic and Indian art at Bonhams, said in a statement that the sword has an extraordinary history, a surprising provenance and unmatched craftsmanship. It was no surprise that there was such a heated contest between the two phone bidders and the one bidder in the room. We are happy with the result. As Francis Buchanan described in his on-the-spot account describing Tipu’s palace shortly after the siege, a sword was within reach of the Sultan while he slept. (On constant vigil against attack, Tipu slept in a hammock hanging from the ceiling of his locked and bolted bedchamber, carrying a pair of pistols and a sword). The weapon is of exceptional quality.