Tulwar Hilt Straight Blade, Sukhela?

Jim McDougall · 20th February 2011, 11:31 PM

Hi Norman,
You are right in noting that the kirach is supposed to be not entirely straight, a slight curve toward the tip. Terminology in Indian swords in particular among ethnographic forms can sometimes be remarkably confusing.

In my understanding this may probably best be considered a sukhela as you have rightly suggested. While the term itself also has applications to a low carbon type steel used in India and often believed associated with these, it primarily refers to a straight bladed sword. Apparantly these straight bladed swords are highly regarded as representation of authority, in essence, a 'sword of state' and carried by court officials, awarded to soldiers in high esteem and honored and other similar stations. The straight bladed sword I believe in Marathi is termed 'dhup' but obviously thier swords were khanda (or firangi) and pata which had straight blades, so it is puzzling to consider how that would apply.

This is of course an Indian made blade, and you have acquired an usual and interesting sword.

It would be interesting if someone could post a kirach so we might compare these, as well as better explain the dhup term....Jens?

All the best,
Jim

Rick · 21st February 2011, 12:37 AM

An extreme example .

Jim McDougall · 21st February 2011, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

An extreme example .

of a kirach.

Lew · 21st February 2011, 02:31 AM

Jim

Kirash shaped blades are a bit confusing even the slightest downward curve could classify the blade as kirash?

http://oriental-arms.com/photos.php?id=903

21st February 2011, 12:37 AM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	An extreme example . Attached Images

20th February 2011, 11:31 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Hi Norman, You are right in noting that the kirach is supposed to be not entirely straight, a slight curve toward the tip. Terminology in Indian swords in particular among ethnographic forms can sometimes be remarkably confusing. In my understanding this may probably best be considered a sukhela as you have rightly suggested. While the term itself also has applications to a low carbon type steel used in India and often believed associated with these, it primarily refers to a straight bladed sword. Apparantly these straight bladed swords are highly regarded as representation of authority, in essence, a 'sword of state' and carried by court officials, awarded to soldiers in high esteem and honored and other similar stations. The straight bladed sword I believe in Marathi is termed 'dhup' but obviously thier swords were khanda (or firangi) and pata which had straight blades, so it is puzzling to consider how that would apply. This is of course an Indian made blade, and you have acquired an usual and interesting sword. It would be interesting if someone could post a kirach so we might compare these, as well as better explain the dhup term....Jens? All the best, Jim

21st February 2011, 02:31 AM	#4
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Jim Kirash shaped blades are a bit confusing even the slightest downward curve could classify the blade as kirash? http://oriental-arms.com/photos.php?id=903