A lovely piece indeed! I Cant tell 100% from the photos that its not laminated steel from the photos, but take your word for it that its wootz as you have it in hand.. I know of 3 definatly wootz kukri , {sadley none mine.
} I am sure there are others out there that are just not visible & need etching due to past cleanings & polishings.
I agree definatly Indian, Only once seen the seperate tubular reinforcment section behind the bolster before.{On a nearly identicle piece, as I recall.]
The T spine rather negates deep chooping but would still certanly work on a human & of course would be better for forcing a fatal wound through heavy clothing etc. on a downed opponent.
We will never know who it was made for but certanly Mararaja quality! Certanly pre. 1850 I am sure, possibly much older {late 18th C.}, hard for me to be realy certain.
What is its length of blade? weight & balance point in front of bolster?
I think someone sent me photos of it {or its brother] about 6 or 7 years ago but cant be 100% certan untill I spend a few hours going through old photos.
A wonderful piece! Congratulations!
Spiral