For decades, these extraordinary objects were seen by only a select few. Now, a hidden chapter of India's diplomatic history is finally stepping into the spotlight.
For decades, the treasures inside India's Toshakhana were hidden behind government walls reserved for diplomatic gifts exchanged between world leaders, royalty and foreign dignitaries. This year, for the first time, that closed collection has opened its doors to the public.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has launched the first-ever public e-auction of Toshakhana items, giving resident Indians the opportunity to bid on nearly 300 diplomatic gifts that once accompanied state visits, international summits and ceremonial exchanges.
From luxury watches and handcrafted jewellery to silver artefacts, ceremonial weapons and rare collectibles, the auction runs from June 8 to June 30 under the revised Toshakhana Rules, 2024, the initiative marks how India manages and disposes of official diplomatic gifts, replacing an opaque system with a transparent public e-bidding process.
What Exactly Is Toshakhana?
Derived from the Persian words tosh (treasure) and khana (house), Toshakhana is India's official repository for gifts presented to government functionaries by foreign governments, heads of state and dignitaries during official engagements.
Whenever an Indian public official receives a diplomatic gift abroad or from a visiting foreign delegation, it is deposited with the MEA. A valuation committee assesses every item before deciding whether it can be retained by the recipient after payment or preserved in government custody.
Until now, public access to these objects was virtually non-existent. Earlier auctions, including one held in 1983, were restricted to MEA officials.
A catalogue that reads like a luxury collector's wishlist
The inaugural public auction features an eclectic mix of luxury, craftsmanship and cultural memorabilia. Leading the catalogue are two Rolex Yacht-Master II watches, with base price of over ₹16.5 lakh.
Collectors of fine watches will also find a Cartier Santos Dumont watch with a reserve price of over ₹5 lakh, while writing enthusiasts may gravitate towards a Cartier limited-edition fountain pen that has already attracted bidding interest.
Jewellery lovers have plenty to admire as well. One standout piece is an elaborate Al Arbash jewellery set from Kuwait, comprising a necklace, bracelet and earrings, with a base price of approximately ₹9.5 lakh. The collection also includes natural gemstone jewellery, amber sets and Armenian commemorative gold-plated coins in elegant display cases.
Objects with stories
Several lots of item represent the artistic traditions and ceremonial customs of the countries from which they originated. These include a sterling silver tea set crafted in London, an intricately designed silver ceremonial dagger gifted by Oman, antique silver boxes, decorative showpieces, porcelain, silver bowls, perfume collections and heritage souvenirs.
One particularly intriguing offering is an antique silver cigarette box believed to have entered the Toshakhana decades ago. Its hand-engraved exterior, naturally aged patina and polished interior have made it one of the auction's most actively bid-on collectibles.
Another conversation piece is a decorative silver box featuring twin gold-plated dragons and housing a Swiss-made Argor Heraeus gold biscuit, combining artistic design with precious metal value.
The catalogue also contains surprises that feel distinctly modern, including an Apple MacBook Pro alongside vintage Zenit cameras and collectible commemorative items.
It's owning a piece of diplomatic history
Every item carries a background note explaining its origin, making each purchase a small chapter in India's diplomatic history.
Most of the articles are heritage, commemorative, ceremonial or decorative objects. Buyers are encouraged to assess the condition, authenticity and utility of each item independently before placing bids.
Who can participate?
The auction is open exclusively to resident Indian citizens through the official Toshakhana e-auction portal. Interested bidders must register online before participating, and all purchased items will be delivered only within India.
The reserve prices begin at ₹2,385 and extend to nearly ₹19 lakh, making the auction accessible to both casual collectors and serious enthusiasts.
For collectors, history enthusiasts and lovers of fine craftsmanship, this is a rare opportunity to own objects that have travelled across continents, exchanged hands during moments of diplomacy and witnessed India's engagement with the world before finally finding a place in private collections.
Published: 27 Jun 2026, 05:05 pm IST
Related Topics
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.