Tipu Sultan's bedchamber sword creates new auction record in 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