Hi Jens,
There are few collectors as well versed in the history of India as you, and honestly if this topic is beyond you, even remotely, it is hard to imagine sound response. The application of the term 'era' is puzzling as confused with regnal (reign); period (usually historical reference) or calendar, using sequenced measure of time as linked to astronomy. At least those are my very 'lay' understandings of these.
It is hard to imagine most of these, especially of very ancient times, being used in collecting, as with weapons usually in collections, these are relatively modern..within the past several hundred years.
However, what is most interesting is your notes on the VS indicating Vikram date, which is familiar to me from your descriptions denoting that date on a number of your weapons. Until you pointed that out to me I had no idea there was a separate date measure used in India, much in the way that the Islamic Culture uses the A.H. date measure.
It seems that this peculiarity with the Vikram date is also the case with the other 'eras' you mention, and it is bewildering to know when these would be applicable. It would seem that these eras would be known of course to consummate Indian history scholars and would be instrumental to establishing proper date on materials which reflect such markings.
Thank you for bringing up this fascinating topic! and while the complexities of Indian history are daunting to most, it is great to recognize this aspect for those who choose to venture closer to the fire.
All very best regards
Jim
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