In very rusty condition ...but is this a Khanda??

katana · 5th April 2007, 05:55 PM

Hi Jens,
I do not think that there are seeds or any other 'organic' material inside the hilt (mine) Whatever 'they' are....they were placed within the hilt at the time of manufacture as it is 'sealed'. Had they been 'organic' I think they would have deteriated badly...considering the age of the sword.

I get the impression that the 'seeds' (in mine) are metallic and round because you can hear them 'rolling'. Also, if I am right and they are metallic... they are not a ferrous metal ....as a magnet placed on the hilt does not 'capture' them.

Jens Nordlunde · 5th April 2007, 08:42 PM

You are of course right – sorry. The pieces could be made of brass/bronze – maybe. But I have a feeling that they represent something special.

For many years it was ‘known’ that the Tibetan/Nepalese/Indian bronzes of deities had gems hidden in their base, so dealers/collectors/smugglers or maybe others; to get the gems, opened the base. What they got was prayers – but no gems. The fact is however, that they spoiled the bronze as the bottom plate was not reset, and the dignity of the deity was lost.

These ‘corns’ pieces of metal could be meant as prayers, or maybe something else – hopefully we will know some day.

5th April 2007, 05:55 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Hi Jens, I do not think that there are seeds or any other 'organic' material inside the hilt (mine) Whatever 'they' are....they were placed within the hilt at the time of manufacture as it is 'sealed'. Had they been 'organic' I think they would have deteriated badly...considering the age of the sword. I get the impression that the 'seeds' (in mine) are metallic and round because you can hear them 'rolling'. Also, if I am right and they are metallic... they are not a ferrous metal ....as a magnet placed on the hilt does not 'capture' them. Last edited by katana; 5th April 2007 at 06:07 PM.

5th April 2007, 08:42 PM	#2
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	You are of course right – sorry. The pieces could be made of brass/bronze – maybe. But I have a feeling that they represent something special. For many years it was ‘known’ that the Tibetan/Nepalese/Indian bronzes of deities had gems hidden in their base, so dealers/collectors/smugglers or maybe others; to get the gems, opened the base. What they got was prayers – but no gems. The fact is however, that they spoiled the bronze as the bottom plate was not reset, and the dignity of the deity was lost. These ‘corns’ pieces of metal could be meant as prayers, or maybe something else – hopefully we will know some day.