Tipu Sultan Sword in Indian Hands

Tipu Sultan the 18th century Indian national hero and his famous sword.
The sword of an 18th century Indian ruler has returned home 200 years after it was taken by the British.
The prize ownership of Tipu Sultan, acknowledged as the “Tiger of Mysore”, was bought at vendue last autumn by Indian drinks magnate Vijya Mallya.
Tipu’s sword was taken over after his defeat and death in battle at Seringapatam in 1799.
It was auctioneered by the family of Scottish General David Baird, given it for his bravery in tumbling the sultan.
Tipu Sultan bitterly contradicted British rule in southern India, posing a grave threat to the East India Company in the 18th century.
It was due to his besotted immunity that the British took almost 40 years to add Mysore to areas under their hold.
Mystery buyer
The proud new owner, Vijay Mallya, tells he desired to bring back the sword to the land of its illustrious sovereign.
Mr Mallya bought the sword at a London auction six months ago, but the identity of the buyer had been kept a closet.
The businessman-turned-politician said the timing of the declaration had nothing to do with the approaching parliamentary elections.
“This is not political. It is personal,” he told journalists in Bangalore.