Stop the auction!

That's what Tipu's family wants to do for the treasure that goes under the hammer on April 2

Stop the auction!

That's what Tipu's family wants to do for the treasure that goes under the hammer on April 2

Another Tipu treasure is to be auctioned on April 2 and his descendants are up in arms about it.

Tipu's seventh generation, residing in Kolkata, will try to stop London-based auctioneers Bonhams from auctioning Tipu's Tiger head finial studded with gems set in gold.u00a0

Sahibzada Anwar Ali Shah, great grandson of Tipu Sultan told MiD DAY that the family will fight for the national legacy in a court of law.

"My advocates are exploring legal options to stay the auction," he added.

The tiger head finial studded with diamonds, emeralds and rubies is one of the most important Tipu items to appear on sale. It is said to be one of the three remaining tiger head finials that adorned Tipu's golden throne in Srirangapatnam. It has an estimated antique value of over Rs 3 crore.

Tipu's family says the auction is a setback not only to the family, but also to the nation.

"We are annoyed with the auctioneers," Ali Shah said, adding, "The finial, which is a national heritage has been stolen from India. Stolen things can't be auctioned like that. We will question this. It should not have happened."

Support for family

Scholars and activists in Bangalore working for the cause of preserving Tipu's legacy have decided to support the family.

They will launch a protest asking the state and union governments to intervene and save the Tipu treasure.u00a0

"We will be launching a state-wide protest pressing government of India to support the family's stand," said Talkad Chickrangegowda, president, Tipu Prachar Samithi.

Vital statistics
>>Tipu, known as 'Tiger of Mysore' had tiger shapes on the golden throne he used
>>Each finial is made of table-cut diamonds, cabhocon rubies, cabhocon emeralds of varying sizes, which are set on the eyes, tongue and teeth
>>The tiger head mounted on a black pedestal with four gilt-metal claws and ball feet and a partial inscription in gilt metal is 17.5 cm high.

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