Lot 201
A royal gem-set and enamelled steel sword (tulwar) inscribed with the name of Daulat Rao Sindhia, Maharajah of Gwalior (reg. 1794-1827) India, The hilt 17th century, the blade probably 18th century, inscribed in AH 1239/ AD 1823-4
25 October 2021, 11:00 BST
London, New Bond Street£50,000 - £80,000
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A royal gem-set and enamelled steel sword (tulwar) inscribed with the name of Daulat Rao Sindhia, Maharajah of Gwalior (reg. 1794-1827)
India, The hilt 17th century, the blade probably 18th century, inscribed in AH 1239/ AD 1823-4
India, The hilt 17th century, the blade probably 18th century, inscribed in AH 1239/ AD 1823-4
the double-edged watered steel blade of curved form with flattened spine towards the forte, three fullers, engraved inscription-filled cartouche to one side, royal parasol mark (chhattri) below, the hilt of typical form, decorated in gold and inlaid rubies and emeralds on a white enamelled ground with floral decoration, the wood scabbard clad in green velvet
96 cm. long
96 cm. long
Footnotes
Inscriptions: 'This, by God, is on the authority of the Exalted Daulat Rao Scindia Bahadur, 1239'.
Shrimant Daulat Rao Sindhia (Shinde) (1779 – 21st March 1827) was the Maharaja of Gwalior, part of the Maratha Empire from 12th February 1794 to 21st March 1827. He played a significant role in the Second and Third Anglo-Maratha wars and his reign was marked by internal struggles of supremacy within the Maratha Empire and wars with the East India Company.
Having ascended the throne aged 15, upon the death of Maharaj Mahadji Shinde he was conferred with the titles of Naib Valik-i-Mutlaq (Deputy Regent of the Empire) and Amir-al-Umara (Head of the Amirs).
On 31st December 1802, the Treaty of Bassein was signed, and the East India Company was recognised as the paramount power in India. A breakdown in negotiations resulted in Daulat Rao being defeated at the Battles of Assaye, Argaon and Laswari and the Siege of Ahmednagar. Most of the Maratha Empire was absorbed by British India, and Daulat Rao was given parts of Malwa, Narwa and Shivpuri in exchange for Ajmer. After his demise, his third wife, Maharani Baiza Bai ruled the empire, until their adopted child Jankojirao took over.
For swords with similar hilts in the Al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait, see Precious Indian Weapons and other Princely Accoutrements, United Kingdom, 2017, cat. Nos. 104, 109, 110 and 112.