Indian artefacts
New Delhi: A ceremonial velvet jacket
belonging to Maharajah Duleep Singh, the youngest son of
legendary sikh warrior king Ranjit Singh, is ready to be
auctioned off along with a host of other Indian artefacts.
Also going under the hammer at the upcoming auction in
UK on December 9 are a pair of shoes worn by the late king.
While the jacket is estimated approximately at Rs 46 lakhs,
the shoes described as 'foliate decorated gold braid raised
work on a crimson velvet ground' are expected to fetch
approximately Rs 11. 5 lakhs.
The shoes and the jacket were purchased by
Scotland-based auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull in the 1950's from
the Dullep Singh's estate 'Elveden Hall' in England.
"The jacket and shoes of Duleep Singh both in
possession of a lady now are fine examples of the richly
embroidered velvets worn by the Maharajah for his formal court
events, showing the high quality workmanship fit only for an
Indian prince," say the auctioneers.
Also going under the hammer are an early 28cm x 14cm
painting of Maharajah Ranjit Singh valued between Rs 6 - Rs 9
lakhs. Early depictions of the Maharajah are very scarce, the
earliest known painting was discovered by a research assistant
at the British Museum. The painting is currently being
exhibited at the Victoria and Albert museum in 'The Splendour
of India's Royal Courts Exhibition' (10 October 2009 - 17
January 2010).
Duleep Singh born on Sept 4 1838 ruled the kingdom
from the age of five and after two wars with the British
finally surrendered his kingdom to the East India Company.
Exiled to Britain, he became an instant favourite of
Queen Victoria and passed his time with Victorian high society
and led a lavish lifestyle dressing up in dazzling jewels and
semi-European dresses.
The upcoming December 9 auction also offers other
Indian artefacts including an 18th century enamelled belt
buckle reputedly worn by Saadat Khan, the founder of the Oudh
dynasty of Nawabs, a painting of Mahrajah Jagat Singh II of
Mewar and several other Indian miniature paintings.
PTI