Finally Got a Bichwa

Jim McDougall · 9th September 2007, 05:36 AM

Hi Radleigh,
Nicely done! Acquiring not one but two examples of very unusual Indian daggers at once!

I find these daggers that are usually found in Central to Southern regions in India most interesting. I am yet unclear on the dynamics of how these were held as it would seem holding either of the two parallel bars of the loop would not give sufficient support for the required thrust.
It is my understanding that the recurved blades typically found on these were intended for thrust and upward tearing action. The blade shape is said to represent the shape of the buffalo horns used on the original Dravidian daggers (Stone p.112-113). Despite this association the term bich'hwa curiously is translated from Hindi to mean sting of the scorpion.

From what I could find in "Hindu Arms and Ritual" by Elgood , p.176 the blade shape developed from about 16th century and possibly earlier. On p.197 it is suggested that steel and bronze examples are probably from Tanjore, which may imply these coming from the southeast regions. These examples are most likely of course probably from the 19th century, and again, most interesting because of the contrast between them as variants of this traditional weapon form.

Best regards,
Jim

Lew · 9th September 2007, 06:14 AM

Here is the one that I have for comparison. After you clean yours up it should look similar.

Lew

Jim McDougall · 9th September 2007, 06:57 AM

Excellent example Lew! and as shown in the link that Radleigh placed in his post, your bich'hwa is the only dagger that I have seen with that type marking on the blade. Also most interesting is that yours seems to be copper in the hilt.

Best regards,
Jim

Lew · 9th September 2007, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Also most interesting is that yours seems to be copper in the hilt.

Best regards,
Jim

Jim

I think the hilt is made of bronze not copper.

Lew

Jim McDougall · 9th September 2007, 05:21 PM

Lew,
Thanks very much, I couldnt really tell. Again, its really a nice one and I always wondered after the earlier thread if any more was determined on its origins and the interesting blade marking.

Jim

9th September 2007, 06:14 AM	#2
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Here is the one that I have for comparison. After you clean yours up it should look similar. Lew Attached Images

9th September 2007, 05:36 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,189	Hi Radleigh, Nicely done! Acquiring not one but two examples of very unusual Indian daggers at once! I find these daggers that are usually found in Central to Southern regions in India most interesting. I am yet unclear on the dynamics of how these were held as it would seem holding either of the two parallel bars of the loop would not give sufficient support for the required thrust. It is my understanding that the recurved blades typically found on these were intended for thrust and upward tearing action. The blade shape is said to represent the shape of the buffalo horns used on the original Dravidian daggers (Stone p.112-113). Despite this association the term bich'hwa curiously is translated from Hindi to mean sting of the scorpion. From what I could find in "Hindu Arms and Ritual" by Elgood , p.176 the blade shape developed from about 16th century and possibly earlier. On p.197 it is suggested that steel and bronze examples are probably from Tanjore, which may imply these coming from the southeast regions. These examples are most likely of course probably from the 19th century, and again, most interesting because of the contrast between them as variants of this traditional weapon form. Best regards, Jim

9th September 2007, 06:57 AM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,189	Excellent example Lew! and as shown in the link that Radleigh placed in his post, your bich'hwa is the only dagger that I have seen with that type marking on the blade. Also most interesting is that yours seems to be copper in the hilt. Best regards, Jim

9th September 2007, 05:21 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,189	Lew, Thanks very much, I couldnt really tell. Again, its really a nice one and I always wondered after the earlier thread if any more was determined on its origins and the interesting blade marking. Jim