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1886.1.191

Sword with curved blade and moulded cast iron handle with cross-guard, pommel disc and narrow knuckle-guard. [El.B 04/09/2007]

1886.1.191

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Collection type
Object
Description
Sword with curved blade and moulded cast iron handle with cross-guard, pommel disc and narrow knuckle-guard. [El.B 04/09/2007]
Date / Period
Date made: On or before 1878
Date collected
?On or before 1878
Acquisition information
Transferred: 04/03/1886
Materials and processes
Material Iron Metal, Process Moulded, Process Cast, Process Forged (Metal), Process Incised
Dimensions
Length: max 800 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1886.1.191
Research and responses

The talwar has one full or true edge on the convex side, and a ‘false’ or partial edge on the distal third of the back edge. Comparison of this blade form with European cavalry sabres reveals how closely European cavalry modelled their weapons on Indian sword forms. The distinctively Indo-Muslim talwar hilt form with knuckle-guard is known as Delhishahi, although it does not indicate a Mogul origin. The talwar was the most widely and numerously distributed Indian weapon form (Egerton, 1896: 104), due to the widespread influence of Rajput Maharajas. Talwar were historically conceived by Rajput men as the embodiment of their honour, commitment and agency; Egerton (1896: 105-6) remarks on two of the commonest Rajput oaths – ya sil ka an (‘by this weapon’) and dhal talwar ka an (‘by my talwar and shield’). Talwar were an integral part of the weaponry displays in Rajput rulers’ Silleh-Kana armouries. Research Conducted for DCF Cutting Edge 2006/2007 [AM].

Search terms: Weapon, Sword, Sheath

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