The Tiger of Mysore’s Sword sells for an astounding 14 million Pounds.

Amir Hamza Shaukat
sword of Tipu sultan

The sword of Tipu Sultan, One of the greatest warriors in the History of the subcontinent whose resistance to British rule in India. Whose tales of bravery are still told to the kids growing up in both India and Pakistan have been auctioned for 14 million Pounds at Bonhams Islamic and Indian Art Sale, an auction house in London. It is the biggest sale of Indian and Islamic objects in history.

The Epic Tale of Tipu Sultan’s Sword:

The sword of Maharaja of Mysore also referred to as Sukhela (an emblem of authority) is considered one of the rarest artifacts as Tipu Sultan was acknowledged for his ingenious and cutting-edge approaches to battle, so the famous single-edged sword made with a curved blade is the Eternal echo of Tipu Sultan’s historical influence and engraved verses of Holy Quran give it religious value too. The blade is also engraved with the words, “The Sword of the Ruler.”

The sword was discovered within the confines of Tipu Sultan’s palace sanctuary in his private bedroom and after the battle of Seringapatam in 1799 the sword was presented to Major General David Baird of British Army after that, the sword was kept on display in British Museum in London. In 2004 it was put up for auction by the descendants of General Baird and was bought by Indian Businessman Vijay Mallya.

However, Mr. Mallya gave the sword away in 2016 saying his family told him it ‘brought bad luck’. The sword was put back in Auction in May 2023 by an Islamic and Indian Art and auctioneer, in London. “This spectacular sword is the greatest of all the weapons linked to Tipu Sultan still in private hands. It’s a 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,” said Oliver White, Bonhams Head of Islamic and Indian Art and auctioneer. The auction house is not authorized to disclose the identity of the seller and buyer.

The Sword is the Symbol of the Bravery of Tipu Sultan:

Tipu Sultan is always remembered as a symbol of Bravery and resistance if it was up to Tipu Sultan East India Company (or Britishers) could never rule on the Indian Sub-Continent, but he was defeated due to the betrayal of the people near him.

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In addition to bravery, this auction gives a glimpse of the loot that Britishers collected from Indian Subcontinent only the price of one sword was more than 4 billion Pakistani Rupees so the complete estimates British Empire’s Exploitative Extraction of India’s Valuables would be roughly equal to the external debts of Pakistan.

Preserving and Enabling Public Connection to Historical Artifacts:

Emphasize the importance of preserving historical artifacts for future generations and the role that museums and private collectors play in safeguarding these treasures. Discuss the ethical considerations surrounding the ownership and display of cultural artifacts and the efforts made to strike a balance between public access and private ownership.

The auction of Tipu Sultan’s sword serves as a powerful reminder of the rich tapestry of history and the enduring allure of collecting historical artifacts. As collectors and enthusiasts continue to preserve and celebrate these treasures, we are granted a unique window into the past, enabling us to appreciate the courage and resilience of figures like Tipu Sultan and the impact they had on shaping our world.