Basic Black Dhal
 

just acquired this dhal, roughly 14 in. (36cm) across. basic black, 4 rings on the inside, pad and grips by vendor's granny. thought it was time for getting one to display with my talwars, axes and khuks.

Is this black painted steel?

i believe so. was listed only as 'metal'. will test with a magnet on it's arrival.

VERY NICE. :) GOOD FOR NIGHT OP'S BUT DON'T LEAVE IT LAYING OUT IN THE SUN IN SUMMER. :D

it a weapon system, you can parry with it, punch with it, edge strike with it and burn your opponent with it - note the asbestos hand protection pads and grip cover (blue asbestos of course, the safe kind)

(p.s. - i lied about the asbestos, they're not)

arrived today. it is steel (magnet test passed). 14 inches dia (36 cm.) and weighs 1430 grams. paint is rough but even. mottling is an artifact from previous owner oiling it. wiped off excess & it looks more even now. the bosses are two part steel pressings. rolled rim looks hammered. now i have to find a space to display it.

Wait...is the back side of the shield domed (concave, conforming to the outside curvature) or flat? If it is flat wouldn't that make it an Afghan shield/sipar instead of an Indian dhal? I mean the style originated in India I think. But pretty sure it spread from there and took on a few different incarnations.

trick of the lighting i think. it's NOT flat. inside is dished, concave, corresponding to the domed, convex outside.