Monstrous Indian Sword

Valjhun · 18th July 2006, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jens Nordlunde

Hi Valjhun,

You wrote 'There is a photo of one quite similar in the Jaiwants' book on page 62'. Did you know that the author wrote more than one book? Please tell us which book you are refering to.

Sorry Jens, I didn't know that Mr. Jaiwant wrote other books than Arms and Armour - Traditional weapons of India.

I'm really looking forward to read your comment about it. Thanks!

Valjhun · 24th July 2006, 07:52 PM

Seems that the hilt was covered with silver, once.

spiral · 26th July 2006, 11:01 PM

Fascinating piece!

Spiral

Valjhun · 17th August 2006, 12:36 PM

I've found a probable answer:

From R. Elgoods, Hindu arms and Ritual:
"While form and decoration on European arms generally follow effective function, in Hindu weaponry functional efficiency was achieved by designing arms according to ancient rules in order to attract the goddes to take up residence. Her presence made them effective on the battledield while prophylactic motifs similar to those found on temples protected the user if the weapon against malevolent spirits attracted by vilence. These ornate weapons ebabled the king and his warriors to fight for the preservation of the ideal Hindu state."

Is that the case? What do you think?

Bill M · 17th August 2006, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valjhun

I've found a probable answer:

From R. Elgoods, Hindu arms and Ritual:
"While form and decoration on European arms generally follow effective function, in Hindu weaponry functional efficiency was achieved by designing arms according to ancient rules in order to attract the goddes to take up residence. Her presence made them effective on the battledield while prophylactic motifs similar to those found on temples protected the user if the weapon against malevolent spirits attracted by vilence. These ornate weapons ebabled the king and his warriors to fight for the preservation of the ideal Hindu state."

Is that the case? What do you think?

This is certainly true regarding the Newar, Nair or temple swords that were strictly used in rituals. I have several that were used by the Theyyam of Kerala / Malabar.

Pictured below is one of these temple swords, held by a Theyyam in trance. He has become the goddess.

I will post a thread on my sword I have soon as I can take some pictures.

Silver was an important metal. The 18th c sword I have is solid silver with brass or bronze sideplates. The newer swords, like the one pictured below are sadly no longer silver due to the expense.

B.I · 17th August 2006, 10:49 PM

some of these types of hilt were gilt.
although i have heard this denied, it is generally assumed that steel couldnt be mercury gilt, so it was silvered first, with a light layer of gilding over the silver, giving it a final and appealing gold colour. this was definately a hindu trait (and done profusley on south indian arms), although also widely used on indian islamic arms. as the gilding was very thin, this wore off quickly, leaving just the silvering which, although it lasted longer, was prone to wear off as yours shows.

24th July 2006, 07:52 PM	#2
Valjhun Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 692	Seems that the hilt was covered with silver, once. Attached Images

26th July 2006, 11:01 PM	#3
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Fascinating piece! Spiral

17th August 2006, 12:36 PM	#4
Valjhun Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 692	I've found a probable answer: From R. Elgoods, Hindu arms and Ritual: "While form and decoration on European arms generally follow effective function, in Hindu weaponry functional efficiency was achieved by designing arms according to ancient rules in order to attract the goddes to take up residence. Her presence made them effective on the battledield while prophylactic motifs similar to those found on temples protected the user if the weapon against malevolent spirits attracted by vilence. These ornate weapons ebabled the king and his warriors to fight for the preservation of the ideal Hindu state." Is that the case? What do you think?

17th August 2006, 10:49 PM	#6
B.I Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 485	some of these types of hilt were gilt. although i have heard this denied, it is generally assumed that steel couldnt be mercury gilt, so it was silvered first, with a light layer of gilding over the silver, giving it a final and appealing gold colour. this was definately a hindu trait (and done profusley on south indian arms), although also widely used on indian islamic arms. as the gilding was very thin, this wore off quickly, leaving just the silvering which, although it lasted longer, was prone to wear off as yours shows.