This tiger's head is one of the original eight which were placed on the balustrade of the octagonal throne,' said RCEWA Member Christopher Rowell.

'Tipu Sultan's golden and bejewelled throne (c.1787-93) was broken up by the British army's Prize Agents after Tipu's defeat and death in defence of his capital, Seringapatam, in 1799. The minister's decision follows the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA), which agreed that it is an important symbolic object in Anglo-Indian history in the last years of the 18th century. The decision on the export licence application for the finial has been deferred until February 11, 2022, which may be extended until 11 June 2022 if a serious intention to raise funds to purchase it is made at the recommended price of GBP 1.5 million. Its marble pedestal is unique among the five surviving finials known, and the meaning of its gold inscription is still a mystery. The finial, made of gold and set with rubies, diamonds and emeralds, is described as a rare example of fully documented 18th century South Indian goldsmiths’ work and its existence was unknown until 2009.

“I hope a UK-based buyer comes forward so that we can all continue to learn more about this important period in our shared history with India,” he said. “This fascinating finial illustrates the story of Tipu Sultan’s reign and leads us to examine our imperial history,” said UK Arts Minister Lord Stephen Parkinson. The finial is one of eight gold tiger heads that adorned the throne of the ruler, famously known as the 'Tiger of Mysore'. The finial, or a crowning ornament, is worth around GBP 1.5 million and the export bar placed by the British government is used to allow time for a UK gallery or institution to acquire the piece of historic value.

LONDON: A gold jewelled tiger head, which once belonged to the gold-covered throne of Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan in 18th century India, was on Friday placed under a temporary export bar in an attempt to find a UK buyer for it.

Tipu sultan movie watch online