How old is the Kora, and from where does it origin?

[spiral]

Originally Posted by sirupate

The khuda is not particularly prevalent in Nepal, but I agree it comes from the south, south of Nepal IMHO

Originally Posted by sirupate

The Khunda according to the Nepalese historians I have been talking to is not the favourite weapon of the Gorkhas, this appears to be a myth born from early British writers who never even went to Nepal.

Actualy according to the works of the early British writer Colonel Kikpatrik {who of course went on a mission to Nepal in 1793.}
The khora {or hatchet sword.} was the usual weapon of the numerous irregular militia forces under the Omrahs in the rural districts of Nepal .

He points out that everyone there has kukri as a all round tool & that the militia army also have many matchlocks,& bows as well as there khora.

Its probably Col.Kirkatrik who introduced the spellings khora & Khookeri to the west when his work was published in 1811.{{By William Miller of London,} He also pointed out that at that time there were 8 or 9 main languages in Nepal which may explain some people beliving khuda or Khunda to be correct at Khora or Khora incorrect.

Personaly I would say as with the 15 or so spellings of khukri there all correct.

Nepal is full of rusty old kora still, most falling apart with age. The khora as a Hindu weapon will obviously carry religios symbols & meanings all Hindu weapons do{including the kukri.}

The true origin of the kora still remains to be found, the Himalayas does seem likely to me though,but of course further evidence may improve ones learning.

Hope that helps a little towards finding about a few more definitive facts about these great swords of the Himalayas & where misunderstandings about British & Nepali history & translations seem to have occurred.

Spiral