Mughal, Indian royal jewels up for New York auction

In an auction titled 'Maharajas and Mughal Magnificence', nearly 400 Indian royal artefacts will be sold off next month on June 19. A necklace belonging to Rajmata Gayatri Devi and a dagger of Mughal king Shah Jahan would also go for sale.

New York:Nearly 400 Indian royal artefacts -- including a natural pearl necklace belonging to Rajmata Gayatri Devi and a jade hilted dagger of Mughal king Shah Jahan, would go under the hammer here next month.

The auction titled 'Maharajas and Mughal Magnificence' and organised by the Christie's will showcase an "unparalleled collection" of finest jewels, gemstones, swords, daggers and decorative objects spanning over 500 years -- from the Mughal period to the age of the Maharajas, the global auction house said in its website.

"This comprehensive trove" will be offered in a landmark auction on June 19, it said.

"Spanning over 500 years of history and sovereign power on the subcontinent, 'Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence' tells the story of a continuous tradition of patronage from the Mughal Empire to present day, with provenance including the royal and noble families of India," the Christie's said.

Once owned by Shah Jahan, a dagger with an inscription in 'Nasta'liq' script is one of the prominent objects in the lot. It is estimated to fetch between USD 1,500,000 and USD 2,500,000.

Also on display will be a diamond encrusted ceremonial sword of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Set with diamonds, rubies and emeralds, the sword is expected to fetch between USD 1,000,000 and USD 1,500,000.

Another prominent offering is a natural pearl and diamond necklace of Rajmata Gayatri Devi, wife of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur.

The objects would be on exhibition from June 14-18 before going under the hammer on June 19.