Tulvars with Zoomorphic Hilts
 

An interesting exploration would be Zoomorphic Hilts on Tulvars.

Here is a trio of parrots - called Tota in the Hindustani language so these would be Tota-Mukhi Tulvars.

My favourite:

Likhari,
I liked how you have looked the subject through a different lens and note the exceptional work on these hilts. One displays the Knuckle guard that became part of the style in swords in Afghanistan with the swans neck finial.
I also like your name tag Tota-Mukhi Tulvars.

AFAIK, in Indian ( Hindu) pantheon of deities the parrot was a vahana ( vehicle) of Kama, the god of love.
Thus, a question: why would Afghanis, staunch Muslims, use this symbol for their weapons? If you are talking exclusively about the D-guard, what is so specifically " Afghani" about it?
What is important about the first sword, is the presence of an inscription. Any translation? Any date inscribed?
The quality of its image is rather poor: is the blade wootz or just rust-eaten?

Because the parrot, or babgha in Arabic, is also considered a creature which reveals secrets, sometimes relating to Paradise. This is probably more 'adat than anything else, but the traditional was strong in Iran, Central Asia and Mughal India.

Excellent point Oliver!

Here are some more parrots for you.

Ariel, One of the adaptions or cross cultural trends in sword design taken up to the 20thC in Afghanistan has been this guard with what appears to be a dominant beak at the top of the Knuckle Guard.

Likhari, The beautiful hilt form in Tuquoise blue is from a style of Kastane likely to be South Indian by form...rather than Tulvar ..but a great example all the same. This designation of South Indian is likely key to the origin of design in Kastane influencing the Sri Lankan Royal Court artesans many who were from South Indian workshops.

You are right Ibrahim that indeed is a Katsane but the design seems to have evolved parallel to the Tulvar. Here are a couple more examples:

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