Tipu Sultan's Bedchamber Sword Sets Auction World Record, Sold for £14 Million.
Tipu Sultan's Bedchamber Sword Sets Auction World Record, Sold for £14 Million. Tipu Sultan's bedchamber sword, which was recently auctioned in London, fetched a staggering 14 million pounds, setting a new auction world record for an Indian and Islamic object. The auction was conducted by Bonhams, and the sale of the sword generated significant interest and competition among bidders. Nima Sagharchi, the Group Head of Islamic and Indian Art at Bonhams, expressed delight with the result, emphasizing the sword's exceptional history, remarkable provenance, and unparalleled craftsmanship. The bidding process involved two phone bidders and an attendee in the auction room. The sword holds significant historical value as it was among the weapons confiscated by British troops from Tipu Sultan's palace in Seringapatam on May 4, 1799, following his defeat. Known as the "bedchamber sword," it was discovered in Tipu Sultan's private quarters. The blade bears an inscri