Decoration on Indian hilts

[Jens Nordlunde]

[img]file:///C:/WIN98SE/TEMP/moz-screenshot.jpg[/img] BI, thank you for the hint, it is most interesting, and I recognise several of the drawings from the tulwar discs.

Rangoli also known as Kolam in South India, Chowkpurana in North India, Madana in Rajasthan, Aripana in Bihar, Alpana in Bengal and by other names in other parts of India, it is the ancient Hindu religious floor art made by the women, and learned from generation to generation. Rangoli/Kolam/Alpana/…. Looks different in the different Indian States, using flour, henna, and petals from various flowers such as oleanders, cosmos, zenia, chrysanthemums, and green leaves which provide the artist the ability to work out various patterns and colours. It is mostly made in geometrical patterns, but can also be made as temples or animals. In some parts of India it is still used daily, being made very early in the morning and being swept away in the evening, but to day it is mostly used at big celebrations.

To make the picture of the hilt complete I should also have shown the upper and lower part of the disc – here are the pictures.