Sultan Tipu’s Sword Sells for US$ 17 Million in British Auction – CNN

Jakarta –

The sword of the former king of South India, Sultan Fateh Ali Tipu, was sold at an auction for US$ 17 million or the equivalent of Rp. 255 billion (in an exchange rate of Rp. 15,000). It is said that the sword was once used by Sultan Tipu during the war in South India.

The sword was sold through an auction conducted by the British auction house Bonhams. The sword sells for 7X the estimated price.

“The sword has an extraordinary history, and an astonishing source of ownership, crafted in an unrivaled manner,” said Nima Sagharchi, from Bonhams. CNNWednesday (25/5/2023).

Nigma said that the sword belonging to Sultan Tipu was successfully auctioned and two bidders were competing against each other for the sword. Bidding is made by telephone.

“It’s not surprising that there was fierce competition between two bidders over the phone and one bidder in the room. We are pleased with the result,” he added.

Sultan Tipu led a kingdom called MySore which was in South India from 1782 to 1799 or until he died at the age of 48 years. Tipu was killed by British troops on 4 May 1799.

Sultan Tipu received the title ‘Tiger of MySore’ because he was known for his bravery in defending the kingdom of MySore. Sultan Tipu also succeeded in turning the MySore kingdom’s economy into a dynamic one.

Inside the sword, there is also a gold-plated calligraphy that reads ‘Sword of the Ruler’ in Persian. The sword is said to have come from Germany which was introduced to India in the 16th century.

“This sword is the largest of all the surviving Sultan Tipu weapons,” concluded Bruno Vinciguerra, CEO of Bonhams.

(fdl/fdl)