15. Tipu Sultan’s Sword

Tipu Sultan: The last powerful Indian Ruler defeated by the East India Company. Ever since Roman times the ability of Wootz Steel from South India and Sri Lanka to keep a sharp edge and its ability to flex rather than crack has made this the most sought after of military technologies. Syrian metal workers were the experts in transforming the base steel into world class swords and it became known as Damascus Steel.    Tipu, also known as the Tiger of Mysore for his passion for tigers, was a formidable foe. He was the first to subject the British to an assault of iron clad rockets.   This item:  Steel sword with very finely inlaid gold art work  (called damascening) of tiger and tiger stripe. Hilt similar but with foliage and flowers design.   Note also Tipu Sultan’s casket with perfume bottles taken by the British as loot. The sword is almost 1m long and was made in the 18th C.

Return to Great Court, take the West stairs or lift to 3^rd Floor. Walk through room 73  “Greeks in Italy” to room 72 “Cyprus”.