Mysore Ruler Tipu Sultan's Gold Hilted Bedchamber Sword To Be Auctioned Off In London Soon

A piece of history is set to be put under the hammer in an auction in London on May 23. Tipu Sultan, better known as the Tiger of Mysore, used to keep this very precious gold-hilted sword in his bed chambers. The sword will likely be showcased in a glass case at a wealthy history enthusiast's home.

Tipu Sultan's Gold Sword Set To Be Auctioned In London

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The gold hilt on the steel sword is identified as the koftgari ornamental work from the art of royal weaponry from tribes from Rajasthan. The sword was in possession of the Tipu who rose to power after his father¡¯s death in 1782. It is believed that the King had this piece of history with him from 1782 to 1799.

The sword is inscribed with thuluth, bubri motifs from the end of the hilt of the sword to the edge of the blade. It is almost 100 cm long and is considered a precious piece of Indian history. Despite his controversial legacy, Tipu Sultan remains an important figure in Indian history, known for his resistance against the British East India Company.

How The Tiger King Was Killed

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The sword now being auctioned off was found in the bed chambers of Tipu Sultan after his death. But how did the Tiger of Mysore die? The ruler was known for his military prowess and had fought many Anglo-Mysore wars. By the fourth time, Mysore butt heads with the British army things were starting to tip towards their court.

By 1799, the British had gained enough resources to overpower Tipu and his usual ally the French were slowing down their support for the King. The fourth clash between the British and the Mysore military saw the end of the ruler when the British led a coalition of nearly 50,000 troops that marched to the capital city of Mysore, Seringapatam.

Despite his attempts to secure a peace agreement with the British East India Company, Tipu Sultan's efforts were unsuccessful. In early May, when the British military breached the walls of Seringapatam, Tipu quickly mobilized to defend it. However, during the battle on May 4, he met his demise at the Hoally (Diddy) Gateway, which was situated about 300 yards (270 m) from the northeast corner of the Srirangapatna Fort.

At A Previous Auction, Vijay Mallya Bought One Of Tipu Sultan¡¯s Swords

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You would be rather surprised to know that the last known sword of Tipu Sultan was also auctioned off and was incidentally bought by the liquor baron, Vijaya Mallya for a whopping Rs 1.5 crore at a private auction in 2004.

However, the whereabouts of the precious sword are now unknown. During a hearing at London High Court in 2018, Mallya¡¯s lawyer claimed on his client's behalf that he had given away the historic sword because his family believed that it was bringing him bad luck.

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