Hyderabad: Nizam-era baubles get global collectors giddy

HYDERABAD: The artefacts, jewels, arts and paintings of the Nizams of Hyderabad have always commanded a very high price in international auction platforms. Even small and insignificant objects of the Nizams or princely Hyderabad state have held collectors and connoisseurs in awe.

On December 17, a small white metal silver plate placeholder depicting Mir Osman Ali Khan, Nizam VII, in royal robes and young Edward VIII, had fetched Rs 11,000 in auction house Christie’s in London. It was a good price as the object was damaged and not too prominent among collectors.
According to heritage experts, the Nizam' s objects – small and big - have thus far earned an estimated Rs 10,000 crore during various private and public auctions around the world in the last 70 years. These objects don't include priceless pieces like the Nizam’s diamond or Bala Kohinoor mined in the Krishna river basin, probably in the present day Mahabubnagar district, or the 11 kg gold mohur.
Heritage experts date the silver plate placeholder auctioned on December 17 to the visit of then Prince of Wales (the future King Edward VIII), to Hyderabad in 1922.
Ahmad Askander, a heritage expert from London, said the early 20th century Anglo-India related white metal silver plate placeholder is 8cm tall and was sold for £110 (Rs 11000) in the auction. “There is some minor damage to this piece. One of the figurines of tiger has its tail missing. Moreover, the picture of the Nizam is not in its best form. But it bears the photograph of the Nizam that appeared on the cover page of the Time magazine,” he said.
City historian Dr Mohammad Safiullah said the piece is a hand coloured image of the Nizam VII in the Star of India Robes, awarded in July 1914. “The Nizam VII is seen wearing the robe along with the Star of India and the accompanying orders and garter. After the first war of Independence of 1857, the British had created a hierarchy of awards and medals meant for the ruling chiefs and princes of Indian princely states. Both Nizam VI and Nizam VII were awarded the Star of India Robes,” he said.