Image Courtesy: navrangindia.in
Tipu Sultan, also known as the Tiger of Mysore, possessed a “Ram” ring that was auctioned in 2014 for over 1.4 lakh pounds, bought by an unnamed bidder. This ring was apparently recovered from his body after he was slain during the fourth Anglo-Mysore war on May 4, 1799 near Srirangapatna Fort. The British army included the Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley and the ring was gifted to his niece Emily Wellesley who married into the Raglan family. The ring was auctioned from the Raglan collection.
Many questions have been raised around the reason a Muslim ruler would wear a “Ram” ring, no definite answer has surfaced. There are some letters between the pontiff of Sringeri temple patronised by Tipu Sultan and in these letters he urges the temple seer to pray for him and Mysore. These letters also reveal that Tipu Sultan made donations for temple reconstruction, repairs, and the installation of new idols. In one of these letters he acknowledged having received gifts from the temple which may have included this ring.
Related:
Everyday Harmony: Muslim man saves a Hindu girl’s life after she attempts suicide in Madhya Pradesh
Karnataka: Hindu outfit attempts to enter Srirangapatna mosque; demand demolition
Communalising Icons by the BJP takes on a new dimension in Karnataka