Latest update: 10/04/2008 

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Taj Mahal builder's dagger sold for 2.13 million euros
Taj Mahal builder's dagger sold for 2.13 million euros
At an auction held at Bonhams's Indian and Islamic sale in London, a rare gold dagger that once belonged to Taj Mahal builder Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan has been sold for 2.13 million euros, four times the estimate.

A gold dagger which belonged to the Indian emperor who built the Taj Mahal sold for more than triple its estimate Thursday at auction in London.

The 17th century ornamental dagger was owned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and sold for 1.7 million pounds (2.13 million euros, 3.36 million dollars) at Bonhams' Indian and Islamic art sale.

It carries his name, date of birth and official titles and had been expected to sell for between 300,000 and 500,000 pounds.

Claire Penhallurick, Bonhams' head of Indian and Islamic sales, said: "Objects of this quality and importance come to the market very, very rarely. We are delighted with the result."

The Taj Mahal was built in the 17th century by the emperor in memory of his queen, Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth to their 14th child.

 

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