Stone sculpture from India

Jens Nordlunde · 10th December 2006, 02:56 PM

This picture shows a stone sculpture from the Rama Temple, Kumbakonam (South India). The sculpture is from about 1610, and it is clear to see that the figure in the middle is armed with a sword and a kris. (Robert Elgood, Hindu Arms and Ritual. Page 122, fig. 11.18).
Does anyone know of other kris' used in India?

David · 10th December 2006, 03:58 PM

Very interesting. It sure does appear to be a keris from this viewpoint. I wish we had a close-up view.
I am unaware of the keris taking hold as a weapon anywhere outside of the Malay/Indonesia area, but certainly there must have been some trade.
It does appear that the wearer of this keris has the wrong hilt orientation though.

kai · 10th December 2006, 09:26 PM

Quote:

This picture shows a stone sculpture from the Rama Temple, Kumbakonam (South India). The sculpture is from about 1610, and it is clear to see that the figure in the middle is armed with a sword and a kris. (Robert Elgood, Hindu Arms and Ritual. Page 122, fig. 11.18).

Thanks, Jens! I really need to get Elgood's book...

Is this the only currently known representation from India? Any other blades with similar hilts/scabbards? (I'm not sure this really is a keris but it's definitely the closest that I've seen so far!)

So, who is the person (or figure from the Hindu iconography?) wearing this blade? Doesn't seem to be one of Mara's minions for a change!

Regards,
Kai

Alam Shah · 10th December 2006, 10:07 PM

Hi Jens,

Interesting... The hilt and hilt cup does have resemblance to the keris, but alas, it is sheathed. Looking at the sheath profile, it looks as if the blade is single-edged. Could it be a form of an Indian Pesh Kabz dagger instead?

David · 10th December 2006, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alam Shah

Hi Jens,

Interesting... The hilt and hilt cup does have resemblance to the keris, but alas, it is sheathed. Looking at the sheath profile, it looks as if the blade is single-edged. Could it be a form of an Indian Pesh Kabz dagger instead?

Geez, you guys have better eyes than i do.

I think we need a field trip to this place for better photos.

A. G. Maisey · 10th December 2006, 11:00 PM

From what I can see in this image, I would not be prepared to call this weapon at the waist of the figure a keris.

However, if it were, it would not surprise me, as blades from Jawa, at least, were exported into Southern India during and prior to the period associated with this staue.

BluErf · 11th December 2006, 02:04 PM

Could be a curved pesh kabz, chillanum or some other similar curved dagger with an animal-headed hilt, like those on mughal daggers?

10th December 2006, 02:56 PM	#1
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,716	Stone sculpture from India This picture shows a stone sculpture from the Rama Temple, Kumbakonam (South India). The sculpture is from about 1610, and it is clear to see that the figure in the middle is armed with a sword and a kris. (Robert Elgood, Hindu Arms and Ritual. Page 122, fig. 11.18). Does anyone know of other kris' used in India? Attached Images

10th December 2006, 03:58 PM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,061	Very interesting. It sure does appear to be a keris from this viewpoint. I wish we had a close-up view. I am unaware of the keris taking hold as a weapon anywhere outside of the Malay/Indonesia area, but certainly there must have been some trade. It does appear that the wearer of this keris has the wrong hilt orientation though.

10th December 2006, 10:07 PM	#4
Alam Shah Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,248	Hi Jens, Interesting... The hilt and hilt cup does have resemblance to the keris, but alas, it is sheathed. Looking at the sheath profile, it looks as if the blade is single-edged. Could it be a form of an Indian Pesh Kabz dagger instead?

10th December 2006, 11:00 PM	#6
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,770	From what I can see in this image, I would not be prepared to call this weapon at the waist of the figure a keris. However, if it were, it would not surprise me, as blades from Jawa, at least, were exported into Southern India during and prior to the period associated with this staue.

11th December 2006, 02:04 PM	#7
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	Could be a curved pesh kabz, chillanum or some other similar curved dagger with an animal-headed hilt, like those on mughal daggers?