A legendary sword from Tipu Sultan breaks all auction records for Indian objects at Bonhams in London when it fetches over £14m
Published Date – Thu, 5/25/23 09:25 PM
Sword of Tipu Sultan’s bedroom for sale at Bonhams London. (PTI Photo)
London: A legendary sword found in the private bedroom of 18th-century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan has smashed London’s Bonhams auction house for Indian objects by fetching more than £14m at this week’s Islamic and Indian art auction. All auction records.
The sword is from Tipu Sultan’s reign from 1782 to 1799 and is described as a koftgari hilted steel sword of adamantium, known as a sukhela – a symbol of authority. It was found in Tipu Sultan’s private quarters and was presented by the East India Company Army to Major General David Baird as a “symbol of their high respect for his courage and conduct in the attack”, leading to Tipu Sultan was killed – known as the Tiger of Mysore.
“This magnificent sword is the greatest of all the weapons associated with Tipu Sultan that are still in private hands,” said Oliver White, head of Islamic and Indian art at Bonhams and auctioneer, ahead of Tuesday’s auction said in a statement.
“Its strong personal connection to the Sultan, its impeccable provenance dating back to the day it was captured, and the outstanding craftsmanship that went into its manufacture make it unique and highly desirable,” he said.
The sword had a price guide of between £1,500,000 and £2,000,000, but it surpassed that estimate, fetching £14,080,900.
“This sword has a remarkable history, astonishing provenance and unparalleled craftsmanship. It is no surprise that the competition was so intense between two phone bidders and one in-room bidder. We are delighted with the result,” Islam & India said Nima Sagharchi, head of the art group.
According to historians, of the many weapons that were removed from Tipu Sultan’s palace after the fall of his royal stronghold at Seringapatam in May 1799, few have resonated so much with, or so closely associated with, Tipu Sultan contact. There is no doubt that the Bedchamber Sword was part of Tip’s own arsenal, reputed to be one of the best and most important weapons with which the ruler had a strong personal connection.
“This is one of the most stunning items that Bonhams has had the pleasure of auctioning. It is an amazing price for an amazing piece. Bruno Vinciguerra, CEO of Bonhams said:
As Francis Buchanan described in his fieldwork in India at the time, Tipu Sultan slept with a sword within reach of him. Tipu Sultan, on constant alert for attack, slept in a hammock suspended from the ceiling of his locked, bolted bedroom, with a pair of pistols and the sword by his side.
The weapon itself is of “Extraordinary” quality, with “The Sword of the Ruler” engraved on the blade.
It was made by Mughal swordsmiths on the model of a German blade brought to India in the 16th century. The hilt is inlaid with beautiful golden calligraphy with the qualities of God and the supplication to call God’s name.
Tipu Sultan is famous for pioneering the use of rocket artillery in wars with his neighbors and the East India Company, a staunch opponent of the East India Company until the Major General led the company’s soldiers to end the month-long siege of Seringapatam, killing the 1799 became ruler on May 4th.
