UK won’t return treasure to India, places export ban on Tipu Sultan’s jewel | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

UK won’t return treasure to India, places export ban on Tipu Sultan’s jewel | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

The Boris Johnson government on Friday placed a temporary ban on the export of one of the eight gold tiger heads valued at £1.5 million that adorned the throne of Tipu Sultan in the 18th century, in the hope that a buyer could be found within the country. Tipu Sultan, who acquired a reputation as the ‘Tiger of Mysore’, was regarded as the greatest threat to the East India Company until his defeat and death in 1799. As ruler of Mysore, he identified himself and his possessions with tiger imagery. The final offers scholars the opportunity to illustrate the vibrant culture of his court and closely examine British imperial history, officials said. Tipu Sultan was defeated and killed in 1799 and several items associated with him were brought to England, some of them now based in the Clive Museum in Powis Castle in north Wales. The final, made of gold and set with rubies, diamonds and emeralds, is a rare example of fully documented 18th century South Indian goldsmiths’ work and its existence was unknown until 2009, officials said, adding that its marble pedestal is unique among the five surviving finials known, and the meaning of its gold inscription is