The world's most expensive sword of the Indian king

A 200-year-old sword belonging to King Tipu Sultan fetched $17.5 million, 2.5 times the previous record, at an auction in London on May 23.

Tipu Sultan's exquisitely crafted sword. Photo: Bonhams

Tipu Sultan’s sword was initially estimated to be worth $2.5 million. However, on May 23, the ancient weapon was auctioned in London and fetched a whopping $17.5 million. This not only broke the record for the highest price paid for a sword but also set a new world record for an Indian/Muslim object.

Previously, the most expensive sword ever sold was the 18th-century Boateng Saber. Sold at auction in 2006 ($5.93 million) and 2008 ($7.7 million), the sword had many decorative motifs and inscriptions referring to the Qing Dynasty emperor Qianlong. However, the Tipu Sultan sword, which was auctioned by Bonhams Islamic and Indian Art in London, surpassed that record. According to Oliver White, the company's head auctioneer, the sword demonstrates excellent craftsmanship.

Tipu Sultan, also known as the Tiger of Mysore, was an 18th-century king who ruled the kingdom of Mysore in India. Known for his tenacious resistance to British colonization, Tipu Sultan made extensive use of new technology. He developed many military and economic innovations, including the use of rocket artillery against his neighbors. On 4 May 1799, during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, the capital city of Seringapatam (modern-day Srirangapatna) fell to the British, marking the end of Tipu Sultan's reign after he died in battle.

Tipu Sultan's sword was crafted by a Mughal smith, and bears the inscription "Sword of the King" and a gold-encrusted hilt depicting the five divine qualities. Although forged in India, the blade reflects a 16th-century design imported from Germany.

In 1799, the sword was handed over by soldiers to the British commander Major General David Baird, who witnessed Tipu Sultan's death. Tipu was buried at Gumbaz, a mausoleum located in Srirangapatna, Karnataka, India, which also houses the graves of his father Hyder Ali and his mother Fatima Begum.

An Khang (According to Ancient Origins )

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