Bangalore: The "mysterious buyer" of the legendary sword of Tipu Sultan at an auction in London in September last year came out in the open today (Apr 7, 2004).

It turned out to be liquor baron Vijay Mallya.

"I am that mysterious buyer," Mallya announced at a news conference in Bangalore as he unveiled the "talwar" taken away after British assault on Srirangapatnam on May 4, 1799, which saw the end of "Lion of Mysore".

Mallya said he bought the majestic sword at the auction from the descendents of Major General Baird, who was presented with it through the then Army Commander Lieutenant General Harris more than 200 years ago.

The timing of Mallya's disclosure - six months after he bought it - coming as it does a few days before the elections in Karnataka, has not gone unnoticed, but Mallya insisted it's not done with an eye on the polls.

"This is not political. It's personal. This is not an election meeting. I brought it from London 15 days back," the working president of Janata Party said, adding that he paid around Rs 1.5 crore from his personal funds to buy the sword.

Mallya said he would keep the sword in a safe custody, but it would be kept for a weeklong public display during Tipu Sultan's anniversary at Srirangapatnam.

Describing the sword as a "unique piece of history", he said he bought it to restore "rightful legacy" to Karnataka, as he is a "proud Kannadiga".