Rare Indian Artifacts are Sold in UK Auction

Key historical documents from India, including an illustrated history of Kashmir, are for sale at a UK auction.

The Kashmir manuscript contains nine paintings, including that of the famous maharajah Ranjit Singh, and is expected to sell for more than $13,000.

Other items include original paintings, miniatures on ivory, historical documents and statues.

An oil portrait of Maharajah Rajinder Singh of Patalia - an honorary general in the British army - is also for sale.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-heritage/35576-rare-indian-artifacts-sold-uk-auction.html

'Important collections'
But arguably the most eagerly awaited part of the sale will be the Kashmir manuscript.


This miniature of Maharajah Duleep Singh is expected to sell for about $1,600
"Kashmir was an important stronghold for the Sikh Kingdom - it was annexed in 1819 by Ranjit Singh ending 400 years of Muslim rule," explained Mullock's auctioneers spokesman Richard Westwood-Brookes.

"Kashmir flourished under Sikh rule and became the second highest revenue earner for the Sikh empire.

"The manuscript contains nine paintings - one being a court scene of Ranjit Singh in discussion with Gulab Singh."

"In fact it probable that this manuscript was commissioned by Ranjit Singh himself," he said.

The portrait of Maharajah Rajinder Singh of Patalia - famous for marrying 365 wives and being the first man in India to own an aircraft - is expected to sell for over $16,000 while a rare photograph of him is expected to sell for around $980.

Also under the hammer is an antique reproduction of the British imperial state crown, complete with a replica of the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond. Selling alongside it is a letter dated 1865 which describes how the diamond was surrendered to Queen Victoria by the Maharajah Duleep Singh.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=35576

"This is without doubt one of the most important collections of this type of material to come on the market in the past few years," said Mr Westwood-Brookes.

The auction is being held in Ludlow, in the English county of Shropshire

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13627148

 
Do share your immediate thoughts or reactions on this issue? We value your views! Login Now! or Sign Up Today! to share your views with us.. Gurfateh!