Tipu Sultan's Sword: A Blade of History, Myth, and Contention

A Blade of History, Myth, and Contention, Tipu’s Sword ….

The sword of Tipu Sultan, the eighteenth-century ruler of Mysore, is more than a weapon; it is a symbol woven with threads of history, myth, and modern controversy. Known as the “Tiger of Mysore,” Tipu Sultan (1750–1799) was a fierce opponent of British colonial ambitions, a visionary military leader, and a figure whose legacy sparks passionate debate in India even today. His swords, crafted with exquisite skill, embody tales of resistance, artistry, and contested identity. From their historical significance to their mythologized grandeur, from the controversies they ignite to their current status as auctioned treasures, Tipu’s swords remain potent artefacts.

The Sword as a Mark of Sovereignty
Tipu Sultan ruled Mysore from 1782 until his death in 1799 during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, when British forces, allied with the Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad, captured his capital, Seringapatam (modern-day Srirangapatna). Renowned for his military innovations, including pioneering rocket artillery, and his administrative reforms, Tipu was a formidable barrier to British expansion. After his defeat, British forces looted Seringapatam, seizing treasures, including his weapons, which were scattered as spoils of war.

Historical records indicate Tipu owned multiple swords, some ceremonial, others battle-ready. His swords, forged in Mysore’s skilled workshops, were not just tools of war but emblems of power and prestige. Crafted from Damascus steel, known for its strength and shimmering patterns, these blades often bore intricate designs, including Persian or Arabic inscriptions, tiger motifs (Tipu’s personal emblem), and gold inlays. One significant sword, believed to be Tipu’s personal blade, was gifted to Lord Mornington, the Governor-General, and later entered British collections. Others were presented to figures like Charles Cornwallis or sold, their origins often obscured by colonial records. These swords reflect Mysore’s technological and artistic prowess, serving as tangible links to a ruler who dared to challenge an empire.

The Blade of the Tiger
Tipu’s swords have transcended their physical form to become mythologized objects, imbued with the aura of their owner. The “Tiger of Mysore” was a larger-than-life figure, and his weapons were seen as extensions of his fierce spirit. Legends claim some swords were forged with divine blessings or bore inscriptions ensuring victory. The tiger motif, or bubri, etched into hilts and blades, reinforced Tipu’s image as a near-mythical warrior. In Indian tradition, swords often carry spiritual weight, embodying honour and destiny, and Tipu’s blades, with their calligraphic verses and tiger stripes, fit this mould, amplifying their mystique.
European accounts added to the mythos, portraying Tipu as an exotic yet formidable foe whose weapons matched his reputation. However, colonial narratives also framed his swords as trophies of a vanquished tyrant, stripping them of cultural context. This duality—Tipu as hero versus villain—has shaped the swords’ symbolic weight. In India, they are celebrated as relics of anti-colonial resistance, while in colonial records, they signify British triumph. These competing stories, though romanticized, obscure the practical reality: Tipu’s swords were products of a sophisticated military culture, blending utility with artistry.
Inscriptions, Ownership, and Identity

Tipu’s swords are steeped in controversy, particularly in modern India, where his legacy divides opinion. One contentious issue involves alleged inscriptions on his swords. Some claim certain blades bear verses calling for the defeat of “non-believers,” interpreted by critics as proof of religious intolerance. There are social media posts referencing an inscription praising the killing of “non-believers,” fuelling accusations that Tipu was anti-Hindu. However, historians dispute these claims, noting that such inscriptions, are often misread or taken out of context. Persian verses on Mughal-era weapons commonly invoked divine favour, not necessarily communal hatred. Tipu’s complex religious policies such as patronizing Hindu temples but at the same time enforced conversions in regions like Malabar—further muddy the narrative, making his swords a proxy for debates about his secular or sectarian legacy.

After 1799, many were taken to Britain, where they reside in museums or private hands. Indian historians and activists demand their repatriation, arguing that these looted artefacts belong to India’s heritage. British institutions often resist, citing legal ownership or the value of global display. The swords’ high auction prices—millions of pounds complicate matters, as private collectors now hold many, reducing repatriation prospects. Sahebzada Syed Mansoor, a descendant, has publicly lamented the Indian government’s inaction, calling the swords “stolen heritage.”

A Polarized Legacy
The BJP, which views Tipu as a symbol of oppression, opposes the romanticization of his swords, accusing the Congress party of glorifying a “tyrant” for minority votes. The BJP argues that celebrating Tipu’s artefacts ignores his alleged atrocities, such as temple destructions and forced conversions in Kodagu. In 2017, Union Minister belonging to BJP called Tipu Jayanti a “shameful” event, reflecting the party’s stance that the swords symbolize division, not heroism, aligning with its Hindu nationalist agenda.

In Karnataka, Tipu’s legacy fuels political and communal tensions. Tipu’s swords, as symbols of his legacy, have sparked significant agitations , particularly since the introduction of Tipu Jayanti in 2015. These protests, often led by BJP supporters, Hindu right-wing groups, and communities like the Kodavas, highlight regional and communal fault lines. They accused Congress of pandering to Muslims by celebrating a ruler they claim was anti-Hindu and anti-Kannada, citing his use of Persian as an administrative language.

Auctions and Cultural Debates
Today, Tipu’s swords command astronomical sums at auctions, reflecting their global allure. Specific auction houses have played a central rol.
Bonhams (London): On May 23, 2023, Bonhams sold Tipu’s “bedchamber sword” for £14,080,900 (₹143 crore), a record for an Indian and Islamic object. Found in Tipu’s quarters after 1799, this sukhela (emblem of authority) features a gold-koftgari hilt, Arabic calligraphy invoking divine qualities, and a bubri motif. Presented to Major General David Baird, it was previously auctioned in 2003 for £150,000 to Vijay Mallya. On November 12, 2024, Bonhams sold another talwar from Tipu’s armoury for £317,900, with a steel blade inlaid with the Arabic letter “ha” (for Hyder Ali) and a tiger-themed hilt.

Christie’s (London): On October 26, 2023, Christie’s offered a sword gifted to Charles Cornwallis, estimated at £1.5–2 million. Adorned with an enamel, gem-studded handle and Quranic inscriptions, it failed to sell, possibly due to market disruptions from the Israel-Hamas conflict. A second gem-set sword fetched £100,800, while a third with a tiger-head pommel went unsold.

Sotheby’s (London): In April 2015, a sabre with a tiger-themed hilt sold for £505,250, exceeding its £50,000–70,000 estimate. In 2013, Sotheby’s auctioned a sword with a captured English blade and bubri motif, alongside a bronze cannon and flintlock gun, highlighting Tipu’s military innovations.

These auctions underscore the swords’ market value but raise ethical questions about commodifying looted heritage and also showing how his artefacts, including swords, amplify sensitivities when auctioned or publicly discussed. Mansoor’s call for repatriation resonates in India, where protests in Bengaluru and Srirangapatna demand the swords’ return. In Karnataka, the swords are celebrated in museums and replicas as symbols of resistance to Colonial rule. The Karnataka government has funded exhibitions to educate the public about Tipu’s contributions, framing his swords as anti-colonial icons.

A Blade That Divides and Unites
Tipu Sultan’s swords are more than relics; they are narratives forged in steel, carrying the weight of history, myth, and modern identity. Their historical role as tools of a warrior-king showcases Mysore’s artistry and martial prowess. Their mythologized status as the “Tiger’s” blades reflects Tipu’s enduring charisma as a resistance icon. Yet, their controversies over inscriptions, ownership, and legacy reveal the challenges of interpreting a complex past. In Karnataka, agitations and political battles underscore the swords’ divisive power, while global auctions highlight their universal appeal.

Tipu himself resists easy labels: neither saint nor villain, he was a ruler shaped by ambition, faith, and empire. His swords, like him, defy categorization, embodying both unity and division. As India grapples with its colonial history and pluralistic identity, Tipu’s swords will continue to cut through time, sparking dialogue, debate, and reflection on a nation’s shared yet contested heritage.

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