Unquestionably part of Tipu’s own arsenal, the bedchamber sword is dubbed among the finest and most important of weapons with a proven personal association with the ruler.
LONDON: A fabled sword found in the private bedchamber of 18th century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan has broken all auction records for an Indian object for Bonhams in London by fetching over GBP 14 million at its Islamic and Indian Art sale this week.
The sword, from Tipu Sultan’s reign between 1782 and 1799, is described as a fine gold koftgari hilted steel sword referred to as sukhela- an emblem of authority.
It was found in the private apartments of Tipu Sultan and presented to Major General David Baird by the Army of the East India Company as a token of their high esteem of his courage and conduct in the assault which resulted in the killing of Tipu Sultan known as the Tiger of Mysore.
“This spectacular sword is the greatest of all the weapons linked to Tipu Sultan still in private hands,” said Oliver White, Bonhams’ Head of Islamic and Indian Art and auctioneer, in a statement ahead of the sale on Tuesday.
“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,” he said.
The sword had a guide price between GBP 1,500,000 and 2,000,000 but went on to surpass that estimate to fetch GBP 14,080,900.
“The sword has an extraordinary history, an astonishing provenance and unrivalled craftsmanship. It was no surprise it was so hotly contested between two phone bidders and a bidder in the room. We are delighted with the result,” said Nima Sagharchi, Group Head of Islamic and Indian Art.
According to historians, of the many weapons removed from the palace of Tipu Sultan after the fall of his royal stronghold at Seringapatam in May 1799, few have such resonance or such a close connection to Tipu Sultan.
Unquestionably part of Tipu’s own arsenal, the bedchamber sword is dubbed among the finest and most important of weapons with a proven personal association with the ruler.
“This is one of the most astonishing objects Bonhams has had the privilege of bringing to auction. It is a stupendous price for a stupendous piece. I am so thrilled for our teams that worked so hard to deliver this result,” said Bruno Vinciguerra, CEO of Bonhams.
As described by Francis Buchanan in his on-the-spot account of India from the time, a sword lay within reach of Tipu Sultan while he slept.
On constant alert against attack, Tipu Sultan slept in a hammock suspended from the ceiling of his locked and bolted bedchamber with a pair of pistols and this sword by his side.
The weapon itself is of “exceptional” quality, with the blade inscribed “The Sword of the Ruler”.
It was manufactured by Mughal swordsmiths following the model of German blades introduced to India in the 16th century.
The hilt is inlaid in exquisitely executed gold calligraphy with the qualities of God and invocations calling on God by name.
Tipu Sultan famously pioneered the use of rocket artillery in wars both against neighbouring states and also the East Indian Company, of which he was an implacable opponent until Major General led the company’s soldiers to end a month-long siege of Seringapatam with the killing of the ruler on May 4, 1799.
98 thoughts on “Tipu Sultan’s bedchamber sword fetches over 14 million pounds in London art auction”
I am really loving the theme/design of your site. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility problems? A couple of my blog visitors have complained about my blog not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Chrome. Do you have any tips to help fix this issue?
Hi there to all, the contents present at this website are in fact remarkable for people experience, well, keep up the nice work fellows.
When I originally commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I recieve four emails with the same comment. Is there a way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
This piece of writing provides clear idea designed for the new users of blogging, that truly how to do blogging.
Сделайте свой ремонт проще: выберите машинную штукатурку на mehanizirovannaya-shtukaturka-moscow.ru. Просто, быстро, качественно.
Howdy, I do think your website could be having internet browser compatibility issues. When I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Apart from that, wonderful website!
Hey! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone 4! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the great work!
Simply wish to say your article is as amazing. The clearness for your publish is simply cool and i can assume you are knowledgeable in this subject. Well together with your permission allow me to grasp your RSS feed to stay up to date with approaching post. Thank you a million and please keep up the rewarding work.
Can I just say what a relief to discover somebody who really knows what they’re talking about online. You certainly understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people have to read this and understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you’re not more popular since you certainly have the gift.
Оштукатуривание стен всегда было заботой, но не с mehanizirovannaya-shtukaturka-moscow.ru. Услуги, которые меняют представления о ремонте.
Howdy! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this page to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
снабжение строительных объектов стройматериалами
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage? My website is in the very same area of interest as yours and my visitors would truly benefit from a lot of the information you present here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Thanks a lot!
Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after going through a few of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely happy I came across it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently!
Great article! This is the type of information that are supposed to be shared around the internet. Disgrace on the seek engines for now not positioning this submit upper! Come on over and discuss with my site . Thank you =)
Thanks for the marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you can be a great author.I will always bookmark your blog and will often come back sometime soon. I want to encourage that you continue your great writing, have a nice day!
I always emailed this blog post page to all my friends, as if like to read it then my friends will too.
What’s up, I desire to subscribe for this weblog to get most recent updates, so where can i do it please assist.
Онлайн казино радует своих посетителей более чем двумя тысячами увлекательных игр от ведущих разработчиков.
Вы ищете надежное и захватывающее онлайн-казино, тогда это идеальное место для вас!
В нашем онлайн казино вы найдете широкий спектр слотов и лайв игр, присоединяйтесь.
Это лучшее онлайн-казино, где вы можете насладиться широким выбором игр и получить максимум удовольствия от игрового процесса.
This piece of writing will help the internet users for creating new weblog or even a blog from start to end.
I’m gone to tell my little brother, that he should also go to see this website on regular basis to get updated from latest information.
You really make it seem so easy together with your presentation however I in finding this topic to be really something which I think I might never understand. It sort of feels too complicated and very wide for me. I am taking a look forward for your next submit, I will try to get the grasp of it!
Hi there, I enjoy reading all of your post. I like to write a little comment to support you.
Hi there, after reading this remarkable article i am too cheerful to share my experience here with friends.
I’m gone to inform my little brother, that he should also pay a visit this webpage on regular basis to take updated from most up-to-date information.
great post, very informative. I’m wondering why the other experts of this sector do not realize this. You should continue your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ base already!
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my web site so i got here to go back the prefer?.I am trying to find things to improve my website!I guess its ok to use some of your concepts!!
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this fantastic blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to fresh updates and will talk about this site with my Facebook group. Chat soon!
Hello there, You have done a fantastic job. I will definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this web site.
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be exciting to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their websites.
I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something that not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I found this in my search for something relating to this.
Hi there i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anywhere, when i read this article i thought i could also make comment due to this brilliant post.
If you are going for best contents like me, only visit this website everyday as it provides quality contents, thanks
Ahaa, its good conversation concerning this article here at this website, I have read all that, so now me also commenting here.
Good info. Lucky me I ran across your website by accident (stumbleupon). I have bookmarked it for later!
Saved as a favorite, I really like your web site!
I read this piece of writing fully concerning the comparison of most up-to-date and preceding technologies, it’s remarkable article.
Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging glance easy. The whole glance of your site is wonderful, let alonewell as the content!
Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve take into account your stuff prior to and you’re simply too wonderful. I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the best way during which you assert it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to stay it smart. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a terrific website.
Awesome! Its in fact awesome post, I have got much clear idea concerning from this post.
you are really a good webmaster. The site loading velocity is incredible. It sort of feels that you are doing any unique trick. In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you have performed a magnificent task in this topic!
This post will help the internet people for building up new blog or even a blog from start to end.
I constantly spent my half an hour to read this blog’s articles or reviews everyday along with a cup of coffee.
Greate pieces. Keep writing such kind of information on your page. Im really impressed by your site.
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
What’s up, after reading this awesome article i am too cheerful to share my experience here with mates.
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one these days.
I always emailed this weblog post page to all my associates, since if like to read it next my friends will too.
Great goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too fantastic. I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is actually a wonderful site.
Yes! Finally something about %keyword1%.
Magnificent site. Lots of useful information here. I’m sending it to some buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thank you on your effort!
VIP мужской эромассаж Москва – тайский спа салон
Why viewers still use to read news papers when in this technological world everything is accessible on net?
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My website has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my agreement. Do you know any methods to help stop content from being ripped off? I’d genuinely appreciate it.
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with valuable information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you.
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?
Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing on your feed and I hope you write again soon!
Hi would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with? I’m planning to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a difficult time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!
If you wish for to take a great deal from this article then you have to apply such strategies to your won weblog.
I am actually pleased to read this blog posts which contains plenty of useful data, thanks for providing these information.
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this brilliant blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will talk about this blog with my Facebook group. Chat soon!
Thanks in favor of sharing such a pleasant thought, article is pleasant, thats why i have read it fully
Wow! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a completely different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Great choice of colors!
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in reality was a entertainment account it. Glance complicated to far brought agreeable from you! By the way, how can we keep up a correspondence?
Hi there, I enjoy reading all of your article. I like to write a little comment to support you.
I constantly emailed this weblog post page to all my friends, since if like to read it then my friends will too.
Hola! I’ve been following your web site for a while now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Dallas Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the fantastic job!
What’s up friends, nice post and nice arguments commented here, I am truly enjoying by these.
Simply want to say your article is as surprising. The clearness in your publish is simply nice and i can assume you are a professional in this subject. Well together with your permission allow me to seize your RSS feed to stay up to date with drawing close post. Thank you a million and please continue the gratifying work.
Heya this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding know-how so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
I all the time used to read article in news papers but now as I am a user of web thus from now I am using net for posts, thanks to web.
What’s up it’s me, I am also visiting this site daily, this web site is really good and the people are really sharing good thoughts.
Great post.
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your website? My blog site is in the very same area of interest as yours and my visitors would genuinely benefit from a lot of the information you present here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Regards!
Wow, this article is pleasant, my sister is analyzing these things, so I am going to let know her.
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?
Hi there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your content seem to be running off the screen in Chrome. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The layout look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon. Many thanks
Hello would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re utilizing? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a reasonable price? Cheers, I appreciate it!
Saved as a favorite, I like your site!
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Bless you!
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with valuable information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you.
Hello! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
Hello! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty finding one? Thanks a lot!
I pay a visit day-to-day some websites and information sites to read articles, but this website offers quality based posts.
I don’t even understand how I stopped up here, however I assumed this submit was good. I don’t recognise who you are however definitely you are going to a famous blogger should you are not already. Cheers!
What’s up friends, its impressive piece of writing concerning tutoringand completely explained, keep it up all the time.
Everything is very open with a clear description of the issues. It was really informative. Your website is very useful. Thank you for sharing!
Hi there, just wanted to say, I enjoyed this article. It was funny. Keep on posting!
I used to be recommended this blog through my cousin. I am not positive whether this post is written via him as no one else recognise such certain approximately my difficulty. You are wonderful! Thank you!
Keep on working, great job!
купить медицинскую справку
Hmm it appears like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any helpful hints for first-time blog writers? I’d genuinely appreciate it.
Hi it’s me, I am also visiting this site daily, this site is really nice and the people are actually sharing good thoughts.
Comments are closed.