Ranjit Singh's bust to be auctioned in London

London, Sep 10 (UNI) A white marble bust of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, sculpted in India and described as of breath-taking artistry, will be auctioned by Bonhams here at its Indian and Islamic sale on October 9.

The sculpture is priced between 50,000 pounds to 70,000 pounds (Rs 45,00,000 to Rs 63,00,000), but by the way the auction of the bust of his son Duleep Singh went last year, this sculpture of Ranjit Singh should fetch beyond a million pounds.

The biggest attraction for the would-be buyers would be the fact that he had the fabled Kohinoor.

Mr Clare Penhallurick, Head of Indian and Islamic Art at Bonhams, said, ''Bonhams is delighted to offer this magnificent sculpture for sale, particularly as last year we sold a bust of Ranjit Singh's son, Duleep Singh, for 1.7m pounds.'' The bust was, according to Ms Julian Roup, Bonhams Director Marketing and Press, given by an existing client, a lady of Indian-origin, to be auctioned in London.

''There is great interest in acquiring anything from the Maharaja and his family,'' he said.

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