Hi Radleigh,
The diversity of Indian weaponry never ceases to amaze me.
My initial thoughts on this one was that it was a 'relative' of the double ended long bladed (or horned) weapons, but having thought about it, I actually think it has more in common with the Bagh-nakh! that is, a 'hand to hand' weapon, but without the stealth 'assasination' flavour of the Bagh-Nakh.
It would be ineffective as a parrying weapon, the sort blades offer no parrying or 'catching' ability and the lack of a knuckle guard leaves the hand completely exposed.
The really strange thing is that is that it seems to have no apparent advantages in its strange design.
The obvious weight and protruding blades discount concealment and stealth, and the lack of length and protection preclude the primary objective being defence while at the same time being inefficient for (given the huge variety of other options of similar size) offence.
Very odd! Unique in my experience.
Can you post some pictures of the Bagh-Nahk?
Regards
Gene
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