[CPProt.net] The Britishers, when they ruled India, virtually walked away with many rare artefacts and treasures from the various kings and empires

[Museum Security Network / Cultural Property Protection Net (Ton Cremers)]

Looted Indian treasure to go under hammer

The Britishers, when they ruled India, virtually walked away with many rare
artefacts and treasures from the various kings and empires. It was literally
a royal loot and scoot. 

        The items which symbolise the rich cultural heritage of India had
somehow found their way to many homes and are now with Sotheby's, the
well-known British auction house. 

        And sadly, Sothebys London has deemed it fit to put under the hammer
rich treasures from India. It is holding a special series of auctions on the
25 and 26 May. Sotheby's has proudly announced its auction as 'Tipu Takes
The Throne At Sotheby's'. 

        The series of four auctions planned by Sotheby's has angered many of
the local Indians in London. The NRI community, it is learnt, is planning to
stage some kind of protest against the auction. What has got their goat is
Sotheby's has given a spin to its auction as 'a cultural interplay of East
and West'. 

        Sotheby's has said that is offering 'collectors an exciting and rare
opportunity to acquire a range of works of art, weaponry, textiles, books
and photographs relating to India and the Far East, in a series of four
auctions which will focus on the cultural interplay between East and West.'
The pride of the treasures that is to be auctioned off is the 'Tipu Sultan
Collection'. It will include an outstanding group of weaponry and other
rarities captured after the British stormed Tipu Sultan's palace at
Seringapatam in May 1799. 

        NRIs are unhappy that the treasures that were once looted from India
are now being auctioned with fanfare. Just as they are planning to rise in
protest they want Indians to join in support. 

http://newstodaynet.com/