UK won't return treasure to India, places export ban on Tipu Sultan's jewel

The Boris Johnson government on Friday placed a temporary ban on the export of one of the eight gold tiger heads valued at £1.5 million that adorned the throne of Tipu Sultan in the 18th century, in the hope that a buyer could be found within the country.

Tipu Sultan, who acquired a reputation as the ‘Tiger of Mysore’, was regarded as the greatest threat to the East India Company until his defeat and death in 1799. As ruler of Mysore, he identified himself and his personal possessions with tiger imagery.

The finial offers scholars the opportunity to illustrate the vibrant culture of his court and closely examine British imperial history, officials said. Tipu Sultan was defeated and killed in 1799 and several items associated with him were brought to England, some of them now based in the Clive Museum in Powis Castle in north Wales.

The finial, made of gold and set with rubies, diamonds and emeralds, is a rare example of fully documented 18th century South Indian goldsmiths’ work and its existence was unknown until 2009, officials said, adding that its marble pedestal is unique among the five surviving finials known, and the meaning of its gold inscription is still a mystery.

Arts Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said, “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”.

The minister’s decision follows the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest, which agreed that it is an important symbolic object in Anglo-Indian history in the last years of the 18th Century, with Tipu’s defeat having much historical importance to Britain’s imperial past and leading to a contemporary fascination with his story and objects.

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The decision on the export licence application for the finial will be deferred until February 11, which may be extended until June 11 if a serious intention to raise funds to purchase it is made at the recommended price of £1.5 million.