Shah Jahan's dagger auctioned for Rs 13.42 crore

TOP DRAW: The dagger is considered one of Shah Jahan's most intricately inscribed possessions.

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New Delhi: A Khanjar (dagger) belonging to Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan has been auctioned by London-based fine arts auctioneers Bonham's for £1.7 million (Rs 13.42 crore).

The dagger dates back to 1629-1630 and is perhaps one of the most complete documented pieces of the emperor's time.

Bonhams Indian & Islamic Dept Kristina Sanne says, "It's very rare and has all the inscriptions with the most complete documentation."

The 16-inch long gold encrusted curved dagger is part of Jacques Desenfan's collection.Desenfan is a Belgian enthusiast interested in Indian and Islamic art.

Desenfans spent over 50 years collecting arms, armours and other artifacts from the Indian subcontinent; his fascinating collection will now travel worldwide.

Bonhams also recently auctioned a marble bust of Maharaja Duleep Singh, for almost Rs 14 crore.

In 2004 Vijay Mallya had purchased the sword of Tipu Sultan in another London auction.

Another auction house Sotheby's had earlier cancelled the auction of a set of armour that some Sikhs believe belonged to Guru Gobind Singh.

"The dagger has all these inscriptions on it. It has the name of Shah Jahan and includes his honorific titles. It's dated 1629-30. It is the most complete inscription we've ever come across of any of his possessions or objects," an archaeological expert says.