As far as I can see, the first two sabres with 'Hindu basket hilt' are most likely Rajput weapons, and not from South India, more probably to Rajasthan and northwestern regions. The tulwar term is of course simply a term for sword in Hindi, and in this case these are heavier versions of 'shamshir' blade. The shamshir is entirely a cutting weapon made for slashing cuts. The third sabre with makara head is also most likely from the same regions, which may be extended of course beyond Rajasthan to Gujerat, Kutch, Sind, etc. but as with most Indian arms regional attribution is difficult.
Tulwars with the recognizable disc pommel Indo-Persian hilts typically have as noted blades which reflect European influenced 'false edge' (sharpened back edge toward point). This feature was undoubtedly present on the sabres in other instances however they did become notably present on European forms. This development on European cavalry sabres was primarily to afford dual purpose, cut and thrust potential to these swords.
While the deadly thrust was favored by the French cuirassiers using the straight rigid blades of their heavy pallasches ....the light cavalry using sabres often also 'gave point' in thier charge. The standard position for the sword in the cavalry charge which was used through the end of the 18th into virtually the 20th century was the high tierce or tierce point...the sword held high with straight arm and blade pointed forward slight cant downward.
The idea for the sharpened back was that it was apparantly easier to withdraw from the target body and in slashing cuts it moved through more effectively.
In shamshir blades the point of percussion is different and the draw cut favored, therefore no false edge is present......the shamshir blade in its truest form is typically radiused to sharp point without yelman (which is added on many sabre blades to add momentum to slashing cut). There are of course many variant types throughout Central Asia and Ottoman sphere with less prominant yelman than the 'kilij' type swords or pala. These type blades also influenced tulwar blades in India as Mughal courts followed Ottoman as well as Persian influences in variation throughout that empire.
The first two sabre seem to have earlier hilts than the blades. As has been well pointed out, the heat of combat lends to any range of means in the use of any weapon, but largely warriors were heavily conditioned to react and respond in accord with thier constant training. Certain degree of adaption of course became present with European influences as various kinds of blades became available and exposure to equally variant tactics and techniques came into play.
Nice and interesting examples and its always good to see the swords of India brought up for discussion. Thank you for posting them.
All best regards,
Jim
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