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Vijay Mallya buys Tipu Sultan's legendary sword

Beer baron Vijay Mallya, who bought the legendary sword at a private auction in London.

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BANGALORE: After 200 years, Tipu Sultan's sword is back in its real scabbard - the soil of Karnataka.

Beer baron Vijay Mallya, who bought the legendary sword at a private auction in London in September 2003, unveiled it last week in Bangalore.

The sword, one of the most coveted war trophies to be auctioned in recent years was part of the personal arsenal of the Lion of Mysore and was taken by storm in 1799 after the fall of Srirangapatnam.

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It was then presented to Major General Baird by those serving under him. "It is an overwhelming feeling to restore this legacy to the people of Karnataka," said a beaming Mallya who admitted to buying it for Rs 1.57 crore.

The sword, says Mallya, will be displayed for public viewing for a week every year on the occasion of Tipu Sultan's anniversary at his dargah at Srirangapatnam.