Tulvars with Zoomorphic Hilts

Likhari · 3rd May 2020, 05:38 AM

An interesting exploration would be Zoomorphic Hilts on Tulvars.

Here is a trio of parrots - called Tota in the Hindustani language so these would be Tota-Mukhi Tulvars.

kronckew · 3rd May 2020, 06:35 AM

My favourite:

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 3rd May 2020, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Likhari

An interesting exploration would be Zoomorphic Hilts on Tulvars.

Here is a trio of parrots - called Tota in the Hindustani language so these would be Tota-Mukhi Tulvars.

Likhari,
I liked how you have looked the subject through a different lens and note the exceptional work on these hilts. One displays the Knuckle guard that became part of the style in swords in Afghanistan with the swans neck finial.
I also like your name tag Tota-Mukhi Tulvars.

ariel · 3rd May 2020, 11:08 PM

AFAIK, in Indian ( Hindu) pantheon of deities the parrot was a vahana ( vehicle) of Kama, the god of love.
Thus, a question: why would Afghanis, staunch Muslims, use this symbol for their weapons? If you are talking exclusively about the D-guard, what is so specifically " Afghani" about it?
What is important about the first sword, is the presence of an inscription. Any translation? Any date inscribed?
The quality of its image is rather poor: is the blade wootz or just rust-eaten?

Oliver Pinchot · 4th May 2020, 12:56 AM

Because the parrot, or babgha in Arabic, is also considered a creature which reveals secrets, sometimes relating to Paradise. This is probably more 'adat than anything else, but the traditional was strong in Iran, Central Asia and Mughal India.

Likhari · 4th May 2020, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oliver Pinchot

Because the parrot, or babgha in Arabic, is also considered a creature which reveals secrets, sometimes relating to Paradise. This is probably more 'adat than anything else, but the traditional was strong in Iran, Central Asia and Mughal India.

Excellent point Oliver!

Here are some more parrots for you.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 4th May 2020, 08:37 PM

Ariel, One of the adaptions or cross cultural trends in sword design taken up to the 20thC in Afghanistan has been this guard with what appears to be a dominant beak at the top of the Knuckle Guard.

Likhari, The beautiful hilt form in Tuquoise blue is from a style of Kastane likely to be South Indian by form...rather than Tulvar ..but a great example all the same. This designation of South Indian is likely key to the origin of design in Kastane influencing the Sri Lankan Royal Court artesans many who were from South Indian workshops.

3rd May 2020, 05:38 AM	#1
Likhari Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: USA Posts: 34	Tulvars with Zoomorphic Hilts An interesting exploration would be Zoomorphic Hilts on Tulvars. Here is a trio of parrots - called Tota in the Hindustani language so these would be Tota-Mukhi Tulvars. Attached Images

3rd May 2020, 06:35 AM	#2
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,183	My favourite: Attached Images

4th May 2020, 08:37 PM	#7
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Ariel, One of the adaptions or cross cultural trends in sword design taken up to the 20thC in Afghanistan has been this guard with what appears to be a dominant beak at the top of the Knuckle Guard. Likhari, The beautiful hilt form in Tuquoise blue is from a style of Kastane likely to be South Indian by form...rather than Tulvar ..but a great example all the same. This designation of South Indian is likely key to the origin of design in Kastane influencing the Sri Lankan Royal Court artesans many who were from South Indian workshops. Attached Images

3rd May 2020, 11:08 PM	#4
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	AFAIK, in Indian ( Hindu) pantheon of deities the parrot was a vahana ( vehicle) of Kama, the god of love. Thus, a question: why would Afghanis, staunch Muslims, use this symbol for their weapons? If you are talking exclusively about the D-guard, what is so specifically " Afghani" about it? What is important about the first sword, is the presence of an inscription. Any translation? Any date inscribed? The quality of its image is rather poor: is the blade wootz or just rust-eaten?

4th May 2020, 12:56 AM	#5
Oliver Pinchot Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 457	Because the parrot, or babgha in Arabic, is also considered a creature which reveals secrets, sometimes relating to Paradise. This is probably more 'adat than anything else, but the traditional was strong in Iran, Central Asia and Mughal India.