Tipu's throne goes under the tack hammer

After a few days Mahatma Gandhi's personal possessions, some more of India's heritage is to go under the hammer - this time, a gem-set gold finial from the throne of Tipu Sultan will be auctioned in London next week.

The recently discovered gem-encrusted gold finial plundered from Tipu Sultan's huge golden throne is being put up for sale in the British capital on April 2, ten years after it was found lying in the vaults of an English bank.

The object, found by the Bonhams Islamic Department during a routine valuation, is one of three surviving tiger head finials that adorned Tipu's elaborate throne.

It had lain at Featherstone Castle, Northumberland, where it was listed in an 1843 inventory of the late Baron Wallace of Knarsdale (1768-1844), who oversaw the East India Company, and afterwards was hidden away in a bank.

In fact, the famous golden throne was broken up so quickly -- much to the disapproval of the then Governor -- General Lord Wellesley -- following the fall of Seringapatam that little is known about the fate of the remaining relics.

However, a large gold tiger head from the front of the throne platform now resides at Windsor Castle, while another surviving finial lies at Powis Castle, acquired by the second Lady Clive in India.

Auctioneers Bonhams, who have described the finial as actually "one of the most important Tipu items ever to appear for sale", valued it at 800,000 pounds, the British media has reported.

"It holds huge fascination for both India and Britain as it is part of our shared history. It is, without a doubt, of the greatest historical significance as it belongs to the most important symbolic object in Tipu's kingdom, his throne, which he refused to mount until he had defeated the British," Claire Penhallurick of Bonhams was quoted as saying.

Indian Government try to take credit on Gandhi memorabilia

Indian business taycoon Vijay Mallya said that the Indian government has nothing to do with the bidding for Mahatma Gandhi's memorabilia and he bid on his own. "I bid independently. I wanted to get back the items to the country. I am not sure if anyone was aware that I was bidding," Mallya said.

Union Cultural Minister Ambika Soni claimed that the Indian government was in constant touch with Vijay Mallya throughout the auction. Mallaya, however, refused the government's claim, and said he acted on his own to get back Gandhi's belongings.

Mallya bought Mahatma Gandhi's five personal objects, including the iconic round eyeglasses, for 1.8 million dollars in a New York auction.

I am really proud on this tycoon for this cause, I thing this is done second because a few years ago he also take a historical sward from abroad.

Vijay Mallya – The Real Hero

Indian Business tycoon Vijay Mallya buys Gandhi items in New York auction, Items that belonged to revered Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi were sold at auction for $1.8 million to Indian tycoon Vijay Mallya who plans to donate them to his country.

The seller had tried at the last minute to withdraw the items -- Gandhi's trademark wire-rimmed glasses, worn leather sandals, a pocket watch and a metal bowl and plate -- after the planned sale caused uproar in India. But the auction in New York went ahead despite protests by the Indian government.

The items were sold by Antiquorum Auctioneers to Vijay Mallya, chairman of UB Group, said Tony Bedi, who bid for Mallya. Mallya, who as head of UB Group runs Kingfisher Airlines and United Breweries that owns Kingfisher beer, will donate them to India for public display, Bedi said. "I am sure all Indians will be pleased that these Gandhi items will be coming home," Bedi told reporters.

California-based collector James Otis, the seller, said earlier on Thursday that the items had been withdrawn. A lawyer for the peace activist said the sale was illegal. "I never intended for my actions to cause such controversy," Otis told reporters before the sale. "I pray the outcome is positive and one that Gandhi would approve of."

Indian politicians Shame……..shame ……….