Tipu treasure finds a new buyer

Bangalorean wants Centre to waive off import formalities and to provide security for the finial

Tipu treasure finds a new buyer

Bangalorean wants Centre to waive off import formalities and to provide security for the finial

Tipu's treasure has now found a new potential custodian.

Bangalorean Nayimulla Khan is all set to step into liquor baron Vijay Mallya's shoes as he is willing to bid for Tipu's tiger head finial that is to be auctioned. But Khan has certain conditions.u00a0

"I will buy it for the nation as it is a national legacy," said Nayimulla Khan, founder Tarsh charitable trust. "It is our national heritage. I will participate in the auction if the government supports me."

Bid to stop auction

With Tipu's finial scheduled to go under the hammer on April 2, efforts are on to bring it back to India.

While Tipu's family in Kolkata is trying to stay the auction by Bonhams in London, attempts are on in Bangalore to bring back the Tipu legacy.

While an NGO is appealing to Sultan of Brunei to get back the finial studded with diamonds, emeralds and rubies, Nayimulla Khan is all set to buy and bring back the finial worth over Rs.3 crore.

Nayimulla Khan, who has consulted scholars and experts in this regard, will go ahead and participate in the bid if the government assures him of help.

"I will buy if the Union government helps me by exempting the antique piece from import formalities," added Nayimulla Khan. "They should also provide security for the finial."

Plea to Sultanu00a0

While Nayimulla is all set to restore the Indian legacy, another group that is working to preserve Tipu's belongings, 'Tippu Prachar Samiti' will be writing to the Sultan of Brunei.

The Sultan's family had trade ties with Tipu's family in the past, making them good trade and commerce partners.

"We are writing to the Sultan as his great grand fathers were friends of Tipu Sultan," said Talkad Chickrangegowda, president, Tipu Prachar Samithi. "We would appeal to him to bid for Tipu's finial as it can be brought back to India if it is with the Sultan. He may present it back to India as he has a good relationship with India, besides Tipu's family."

What Customs officials say
The Indian Customs Act provides a relief to certain antiques regarded as national heritage, but on fulfilling certain formalities. One can avail such duty exemption by appealing to the finance ministry. The ministry's department of revenue will decide on this. They may exempt duty through a notification. But bringing such antique in a private baggage may invite huge duty of about 36.5 percent of the antique's value. Hence it has to be brought by way of importation to avoid huge levy. However a 'no objection certificate' from the country its being imported is must to avoid trouble, said senior officials in Customs department.u00a0u00a0

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