Tsuktiben Jamir
Tipu Sultan was an excellent economic leader who brought wealth to the towns. When the British arrived, they were astounded by how well-run and regulated the region was. Commonly referred to as the Tiger of Mysore, Tipu Sultan was the Indian Muslim ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore based in South India. At the Bonhams Islamic and Indian Art sale, a London-based auction house, Tipu Sultan’s renowned bedchamber sword was sold for 14 million pounds ($17.4 million or Rs 143 crore). This sets a new record for an Indian and Islamic artefact at auction. Tipu Sultan’s bedchamber sword garnered such an extraordinary price at the auction due to his legacy and past.
According to India Times, there is currently no information available on who really purchased the expensive historical object. The auction house that sold the sword, Bonhams, has refused to provide any information about the buyer or the weapon’s current owner.
Oliver White, the Head of Islamic and Indian Art at Bonhams said, “This spectacular sword is the greatest of all the weapons linked to Tipu Sultan still in private hands. Its close personal association with the Sultan, its impeccable provenance traceable to the very day it was captured, and the outstanding craftsmanship that went into its manufacture make it unique and highly desirable.”
Courtesy: The Economic Times.
This bed chamber sword was one of the most exquisite weapons taken at the fall of Seringapatam on 4th May 1799. It has flawless provenance and was Tipu Sultan’s personal sword. Since Sir David Baird was in charge of the final attack on the island fortress in Seringapatam, where Tipu Sultan was killed, he was given his personal sword, according to an inscription on the sword’s blade that says “as a token of their high esteem of his courage and conduct in the assault which he commanded and in which Tipu Sultan was slain.”
It is a particular kind of sword known as the sukhela, which has a straight blade and a gold koftgari hilt with exquisite calligraphy that reads “The Sword of the Ruler” and implores Allah to assist the possessor in battle. The sword is not simply something that is related to Tipu and thus holds value. The tribal artwork engraved on its gold hilt is also a well-known exhibit. The hilt of the sword is embellished with koftgari decorative work, which is a kind of royal armament practised by tribes in Rajasthan. This now-coveted sword is thought to have been in the King’s possession from 1782 to 1799.
Not only is it an excellent work of art and has a stunning appearance, but it is also an excellent piece of weaponry. When the troops eventually took control of the palace, they discovered his sword and two pistols in his bed chamber. He had kept them there in case of an assassination attempt.
Courtesy: India Times.
The bedroom sword is one of the most magnificent swords to have survived from India’s 18th century. It not only has flawless provenance and is in excellent condition as a sword, but it is also an item of exceptional beauty.
