Important Facts For Prelims
Return of Nizam’s Sword
- 23 Sep 2022
- 2 min read
Why in News?
A 14th century ceremonial sword that was sold in Hyderabad to a British General in the early 20th century is set to return to India.
- The sword is among the seven objects being repatriated by Glasgow Life, which manages Glasgow’s museums.
What do we Need to Know about the Sword?
- History of Sword:
- The sword was exhibited by Mahbub Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VI, Nizam of Hyderabad (1896-1911) at the 1903 Delhi or Imperial Durbar, a ceremonial reception held to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra as Emperor and Empress of India.
- The tulwar (sword) was purchased in 1905 by General Sir Archibald Hunter, Commander-in-Chief, Bombay Command (1903-1907), from Maharaja Sir Kishen Pershad Bahadur Yamin us-Sultanat, the Prime Minister of Hyderabad.
- Kishen Pershad hailed from the family of Maharaja Chandoo Lal, who was the prime minister for Nizam Sikander Jah twice.
- Kishen Pershad was known for his munificence where he was known to throw out coins to people chasing his motorcar.
- The tulwar was donated by Sir Hunter’s nephew, Mr. Archibald Hunter Service, to Glasgow Life museums’ collections in 1978.
- Features:
- The sword, shaped like a snake, has serrated edges and a damascene pattern, with gold etchings of an elephant and tigers.
- Other Indian Objects at Glasgow:
- Six of the items include several 14th Century carvings and 11th Century stone door jams. They were stolen from shrines and temples in the 19th Century.
