UK to Auction Tipu Sultan's Throne Finial Looted From India

UK to Auction Tipu Sultan's Throne Finial Looted From India - Sakshi Post

The gold finial is characterised as a rare example of thoroughly documented 18th century South Indian goldsmiths' work, and its existence was unknown until 2009.

An old adage says, "You can't put a price on something invaluable." If ‘something invaluable’ was looted goods, the UK government may be proving you wrong: The Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport of the United Kingdom is auctioning off a throne finial it stole from India for £1.5 million (Rs 14,98,64,994). (14 crores 98 lakh, 64 thousand, nine hundred ninety-four).

The "Throne finial" is what it's called. The export of the throne is also prohibited. The gold tiger head, which formerly belonged to Mysuru monarch Tipu Sultan's throne in the 18th century India, was placed under a temporary export ban on Friday in an attempt to find a buyer in the United Kingdom.

The finial, or crowning ornament, that has been placed under a British government export ban is used to buy time for a UK gallery or institution to purchase the historic artwork. The finial is one of eight gold tiger heads that decorated the ruler's throne, dubbed the "Tiger of Mysore" by locals.

According to media sources, UK Arts Minister Lord Stephen Parkinson remarked, "This fascinating finial illustrates the story of Tipu Sultan’s reign and leads us to examine our imperial history."

"I hope a UK-based buyer comes forward so that we can all continue to learn more about this important period in our shared history with India," he stated.

The UK's Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport sent out a tweet with the information. "A £1.5 million throne finial is at risk of leaving the UK. An export bar has been placed on the Tipu Sultan Throne finial to give time for an organisation or individual to purchase it. Interested? Contact the Committee’s Secretariat on 0845 300 6200. "

The post, as well as the action, sparked outrage on social media, with many pointing out the irony and tone-deafness of attempting to sell a plundered object while simultaneously imposing an export restriction on individuals from that nation.

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