MEA auctions gifts received by dignitaries to public for the first time
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs has opened its Toshakhana collection to the public for the first time, auctioning around 300 gifts received by senior officials during international trips, with items ranging from Rolex watches to silver daggers and gold biscuits.The auction, which kicked off on June 8 and will conclude on June 30, features exotic presents and souvenirs collected by ministry officials, including the Foreign Secretary, over the years. Prices range between approximately Rs 3000 and Rs 19 lakhs.
Rolex Yacht Master II
Among the most sought-after items are two Rolex Yacht Master II watches with a starting price of Rs 16.5 lakh, which have garnered more than a dozen bids. An antique silver box from the 1980s, designed as a high-end cigar or cigarette container, has received 29 bids, with the highest exceeding Rs 52,000 against a base price of Rs 12,030.A decorative silver box flanked by two gold-plated dragons, containing a 20-gram fine gold biscuit from Swiss brand Argor Heraeus, has a starting price of Rs 3.92 lakh and has received eight bids so far. However, multiple items like an Apple Macbook Pro, and a gold jewellery set from Kuwait by Al Arbash, have not received any bids.
What is Toshakhana?
The term Toshakhana originates from the Mughal era, where princes stored “gifts and emblems of honour” received for their posterity. It translates to “treasure house” in Persian.Under British colonial rule, East India Company officials were not allowed to accept diplomatic gifts, known as khilat, from Indian or Middle Eastern rulers. When required, officials deposited such gifts in the company’s treasury for later use in exchange with other rulers.In modern India, all gifts received by the Prime Minister and other officials from overseas must be deposited in the Toshakhana for evaluation. As per a June 1978 gazette notification, every gift received during an official visit must be deposited within 30 days of return.Indian rules allow recipients to keep gifts valued below Rs 5,000. Those valued above are evaluated to allow purchase by the recipient on payment of the difference. The rest are auctioned.An amendment allows IAS, IPS and IFS officers to retain gifts received from foreign dignitaries while being members of the Indian delegation. However, they must declare them if they are worth more than Rs 25,000.
A first-of-its-kind auction
This is the first time Toshakhana items have been made available to the general public. The last auction, held in 1983, was open only to government employees at the MEA headquarters.Officials said the auction is being conducted in compliance with revised Toshakhana Rules, 2024. The proceeds will go to the Consolidated Fund of India.
First of its kind auction
The items offered are primarily heritage, souvenir, decorative, collectible or ceremonial items, and may not be intended for functional, commercial or operational use.While no item received by any political functionary has been selected this time, the ministry is planning the next round of auction, wherein presents received by consecutive External Affairs Ministers will also be added. Go to Source
