Antiques represent a family, a culture, and a time in history. Despite being priceless, people frequently spend a lot of money to own such gems. Likewise, the sword of the legendary king Tipu Sultan was recently auctioned off in London for £14 million (about ₹143 crores).

In the 18th century, Tipu Sultan was a Muslim ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore. He was a great warrior and referred to as the Tiger of Mysore. The whopping sum of ₹143 crores was earned by his bedchamber sword in an auction in London this week. On Tuesday, the sale cost exceeded expectations by seven times.

Tipu Sultan's sword set a new auction record for an Indian and Islamic item. Tipu used to doze off in a hammock that was strung from the ceiling of his bedroom with his sword by his side. The British forces killed Tipu Sultan in Srirangapatna in 1799. After the sultan's death, the sword was discovered in his personal royal chambers, close to where he slept.

The sword was presented to British Major General David Baird as a token of his courage. Nima Sagharchi, group head of Islamic and Indian art at Bonhams, said in a statement that the sword "has an extraordinary history, an astonishing provenance, and unrivalled craftsmanship. We are delighted with the result."

Fine gold calligraphy is used to embellish the sword's hilt. The handle of the weapon is adorned with gold calligraphy that reads, according to the auction house, "with five qualities of God and two invocations calling on God by name." The blade, which was crafted by Mughal swordsmiths after the design of German blades introduced to India in the 16th century, has a fine carving in Persian that says, "the sword of the ruler."