Indian axe for comments and suggestions

[Royston]

A large heavy Indian axe which has been hanging on a wall for many years.

I am open to suggestions as to what it actually is. Suggestions so far have been Temple, guard or parade. I do not know.
I cannot see it being a fighting weapon as it is far too clumsy to use even though It is solidly made, heavy and would certainly deliver a leathal blow if struck in anger.
Steel with brass inlay, copper ? script and a wooden haft.

Does anyone recognise the script ? I have been searching on the internet and now realise my ignorance of Indian languages and different scripts. I had no idea there were so many. The closest I could come up with is the Punjab written script.

The characters on the blade are a little unusual. The female could, I suppose, be Kali but she is often depicted with severed heads and a sword so I'm not sure. She appears to be carrying the drum which is often carried by other gods.
The male on the other side reasembles Anubis more than any of the Indian Gods, I cannot find a reference to him.

As usual, any help, comments or suggestions will be most welcome.

Regards
Royston