An Afghan/North Indian Pulouar

[ALEX]

I tend to agree with Battara. It is possible that the heat/fire was used while removing/replacing the hilt, resulting in wootz pattern loss or modification (especially if non-wootz area appears close to the hilt). Moreover, in welded blades the joining point would be closer to the center of the blade (is it correct?).
Also, are there any blades which are edge-hardened and welded at the same time? I've heard of one or another, but never of both.
Interesting and nice sword. Both blade and hilt look like of Indian origin to me.
Would be interesting to hear from subject matter experts like Rick, Ariel and others.