Toshakhana Collection Open for Public Auction: Unique Gifts Auctioned by External Affairs Ministry
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has officially opened its Toshakhana collection to the public, marking a significant milestone. For the first time, around 300 gifts received by senior officials during international trips are up for auction, including luxury items like Rolex watches, silver daggers, and gold biscuits.
The auction commenced on June 8 and will run until June 30, featuring a wide array of exotic presents and souvenirs that have been collected over the years by ministry officials, including the Foreign Secretary. The starting prices for these items vary, ranging from approximately Rs 3,000 to Rs 19 lakhs.
Highlighting Key Items
Among the most highly sought-after items in the auction are two Rolex Yacht Master II watches, which have a starting bid of Rs 16.5 lakh and have attracted over a dozen bids. Additionally, an antique silver box from the 1980s, originally designed to hold cigars or cigarettes, has received 29 bids, with the top bid exceeding Rs 52,000 against a base price of Rs 12,030.
Another unique offering is a decorative silver box adorned with two gold-plated dragons, which contains a 20-gram fine gold biscuit from the Swiss brand Argor Heraeus. This item has a starting price of Rs 3.92 lakh and has clocked eight bids to date. However, notable items such as an Apple MacBook Pro and a gold jewellery set from Kuwait, created by Al Arbash, have yet to attract any bids.
The Historical Context of Toshakhana
The term ‘Toshakhana’ has its roots in the Mughal era, referring to a treasury where royalty stored gifts and ’emblems of honour’ meant for future generations. In Persian, it translates to “treasure house.” During British colonial rule, East India Company officials were prohibited from accepting diplomatic gifts from Indian or Middle Eastern rulers and were required to deposit such gifts into the company’s treasury.
In contemporary India, all gifts received by the Prime Minister and other officials from foreign dignitaries must be deposited in the Toshakhana for evaluation, as mandated by a gazette notification from June 1978. Gifts valued under Rs 5,000 can be retained by the recipient, while more valuable items are assessed to allow for potential purchase by the officials, who must pay the price difference. Items not claimed are auctioned off.
Significance of the Current Auction
This marks the first occasion that Toshakhana items are being made accessible to the public; the previous auction was limited to government employees at the MEA headquarters back in 1983. Officials noted that the auction is in line with the revised Toshakhana Rules, 2024, and the revenue generated from this initiative will be directed to the Consolidated Fund of India.
The items being auctioned are primarily of heritage significance, including decorative, collectible, or ceremonial items, and are typically not intended for functional or commercial use. While this auction does not include gifts received by political figures, the ministry is planning for future auctions that will incorporate presents given to successive External Affairs Ministers.
