India's gold dagger set for record auction

A gold-encrusted dagger once carried by the builder of the Taj Mahal is expected to fetch some 500,000 Euros at an auction this week, says a report from the World Gold Council web site.

The artefact, which was once held by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, is being auctioned at Bonhams on Thursday. As ruler of India between 1628 and 1658, Jahan built the Taj Mahal as a memorial to his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Mumtaz Mahal, who died during the birth of the couple's 14th child, loved rare gemstones, notes the Times.

The gold-encrusted dagger is part of the collection of Indian and Islamic art and artefacts owned by Jacques Desenfans, the late textile businessman. 

Desenfans spent more than 50 years building up his collection of historical and cultural items, which is to be sold in its entirety on April 10th.

Bonhams was founded in 1973 by antiques dealer Thomas Dodd and book specialist Walter Bonham.