THREE INDIAN LEATHER SHIELDS,RAJASTHAN

[BANDOOK]

Description: THREE RAJASTHANI LEATHER SHIELDS each of circular form and studded with soft metal prunts, one with red painted highlights - Diameter (range): 14-16 in. (3)

[sirupate]

Superb, I've always wanted one of those

[mrcjgscott]

Thank you for sharing these with us Bandook!

Incredibly handsome pieces, especially the highlighted example. Would it be possible to share the "interior" of the shields with us? It might help novices like myself spot what to look for when hunting an original example!

Are there any other indicators which would help with dating, etc? Also, what features denote that these examples are "RAJASTHANI" in origin?

Kind regards,

Chris

[BANDOOK]

hi chris,wil post pictures soon,these are coming to me next week from USA,then will answer all your queries
kind regards

[sirupate]

sounds good, looking forward to seeing the pictures and reading the info

[mrcjgscott]

Originally Posted by BANDOOK

hi chris,wil post pictures soon,these are coming to me next week from USA,then will answer all your queries
kind regards

Many thanks Bandook,

Looking forward to learning more about these.

I hope your customs men are more lenient than ours here in the UK!

Kind regards,

Chris

[BANDOOK]

hi chris
will have to pay the 15% gst on cost plus shipping,wont be able to escacpe that,just shipping thru fedex has cost me $275 from usa,cheers

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by mrcjgscott

Thank you for sharing these with us Bandook!

Incredibly handsome pieces, especially the highlighted example. Would it be possible to share the "interior" of the shields with us? It might help novices like myself spot what to look for when hunting an original example!

Are there any other indicators which would help with dating, etc? Also, what features denote that these examples are "RAJASTHANI" in origin?

Kind regards,

Chris

An excellent question Chris!
Actually the 'Rajasthani' designation is a bit cavalier in my view, when attempting to classify these outstanding examples of Indian 'dhal' (shield).
However, in degree in does work as this quite large area of the Indian subcontinent probably did account for good proportion of these as well as many forms of arms and armour.

I believe the assumption might have been set by the dhal with the distinctive crescent above the four bosses. This device is typically representative of the Chandravanshi clan of Rajputs ( E.Jaiwent Paul, p121) which were one of the major lineages of these warrior tribes. The reference to Rajputs typically presumes Rajasthan, though they were in power in other regions outside that geographic designation.

The other examples are typical of a wide range of areas as well, and the one which is purely hide without other adornment except the four bosses resembles one shown in "Oriental Armour" (Robinson, plate XXI, D) as Mahratta 18th c. It should be noted that the 'Mahratta' designation also could be broadly interpreted to the Maratha castes and Empire (1674-1820) which also extended into Rajasthani regions.

The point is that it is very difficult to classify Indian arms by region, much as by specific period, however these seem with good age and character. The Rajput example shows interesting integrity with what appears a working life replacement of one of the radiating backs on one of the bosses which is smaller than the others.

Excellent examples, and I would love to see them amidst a array of tulwars and other Indian arms!

[BANDOOK]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

An excellent question Chris!
Actually the 'Rajasthani' designation is a bit cavalier in my view, when attempting to classify these outstanding examples of Indian 'dhal' (shield).
However, in degree in does work as this quite large area of the Indian subcontinent probably did account for good proportion of these as well as many forms of arms and armour.

I believe the assumption might have been set by the dhal with the distinctive crescent above the four bosses. This device is typically representative of the Chandravanshi clan of Rajputs ( E.Jaiwent Paul, p121) which were one of the major lineages of these warrior tribes. The reference to Rajputs typically presumes Rajasthan, though they were in power in other regions outside that geographic designation.

The other examples are typical of a wide range of areas as well, and the one which is purely hide without other adornment except the four bosses resembles one shown in "Oriental Armour" (Robinson, plate XXI, D) as Mahratta 18th c. It should be noted that the 'Mahratta' designation also could be broadly interpreted to the Maratha castes and Empire (1674-1820) which also extended into Rajasthani regions.

The point is that it is very difficult to classify Indian arms by region, much as by specific period, however these seem with good age and character. The Rajput example shows interesting integrity with what appears a working life replacement of one of the radiating backs on one of the bosses which is smaller than the others.

Excellent examples, and I would love to see them amidst a array of tulwars and other Indian arms!

THANKS JIM THATS GREAT INFORMATION,YOU ARE RIGHT THE RAJPUT RULERS EXTENDED THEIR RULE TO GUJRAT,MAHARASHTRA,UTTAR PRADESH AND UPTO NEPAL,INFACT THE RANAS OF NEPAL HAVE MIGRATED FROM RAJASTHAN,CHEERS

[mrcjgscott]

Originally Posted by BANDOOK

THANKS JIM THATS GREAT INFORMATION,YOU ARE RIGHT THE RAJPUT RULERS EXTENDED THEIR RULE TO GUJRAT,MAHARASHTRA,UTTAR PRADESH AND UPTO NEPAL,INFACT THE RANAS OF NEPAL HAVE MIGRATED FROM RAJASTHAN,CHEERS

Hello Bandook,

My apologies for not getting back to you sooner.

Many thanks indeed for sharing these further images with us, very interesting to see three together, both sharing common features, and also exhibiting different ones.

I am very pleased they have arrived safely, and have lived up to your expectations!

Once I find a dhal to call my own I shall post it up here!

Kind regards,

Chris

[mrcjgscott]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

An excellent question Chris!
Actually the 'Rajasthani' designation is a bit cavalier in my view, when attempting to classify these outstanding examples of Indian 'dhal' (shield).
However, in degree in does work as this quite large area of the Indian subcontinent probably did account for good proportion of these as well as many forms of arms and armour.

I believe the assumption might have been set by the dhal with the distinctive crescent above the four bosses. This device is typically representative of the Chandravanshi clan of Rajputs ( E.Jaiwent Paul, p121) which were one of the major lineages of these warrior tribes. The reference to Rajputs typically presumes Rajasthan, though they were in power in other regions outside that geographic designation.

The other examples are typical of a wide range of areas as well, and the one which is purely hide without other adornment except the four bosses resembles one shown in "Oriental Armour" (Robinson, plate XXI, D) as Mahratta 18th c. It should be noted that the 'Mahratta' designation also could be broadly interpreted to the Maratha castes and Empire (1674-1820) which also extended into Rajasthani regions.

The point is that it is very difficult to classify Indian arms by region, much as by specific period, however these seem with good age and character. The Rajput example shows interesting integrity with what appears a working life replacement of one of the radiating backs on one of the bosses which is smaller than the others.

Excellent examples, and I would love to see them amidst a array of tulwars and other Indian arms!

Hello Jim,

Many thanks indeed for another detailed response. The muddy waters become a little clearer each day.

The information about the crescent moon is most useful, as it is a symbol I see with some frequency on such shields, and of course on many kukri. The "Rajput connection" is obviously a very significant one!

The condition of the pieces is very pleasing, given their apparent age, I shall have to try and hunt out a good one for myself (let alone three!)

Kind regards,

Chris

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by mrcjgscott

Hello Jim,

Many thanks indeed for another detailed response. The muddy waters become a little clearer each day.

The information about the crescent moon is most useful, as it is a symbol I see with some frequency on such shields, and of course on many kukri. The "Rajput connection" is obviously a very significant one!

The condition of the pieces is very pleasing, given their apparent age, I shall have to try and hunt out a good one for myself (let alone three!)

Kind regards,

Chris

You are most welcome Chris!
The muddy waters analogy is well understood, as someone who has splashed around in them for more decades than can be defined I still am trying to learn. The pure joy of discussions here is learning and sharing so we can learn together.
Your note on the occurrence of these crescents on kukri in many cases is of course well placed with the Rajput heritage in Nepal, and I had entirely forgotten that, as also noted by Bandook.

Bandook, thank you as well for the response to my post, very much my pleasure!

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by BANDOOK

Description: THREE RAJASTHANI LEATHER SHIELDS each of circular form and studded with soft metal prunts, one with red painted highlights - Diameter (range): 14-16 in. (3)

Hi Bandook,
Thanks for sharing your shield photos they look great makes me envious. I only have one hide shield my others are brass, my shield is a 19th C one from Ahmedabad in Gujerat and is about 20,5 ins dia and not as convex as your examples. What is interesting, as you can see from the photos, is that a part of the mane or tail was retained by whoever made it. Thanks again for sharing and I hope you enjoy my photos.
Miguel

[rickystl]

Hi Miguel.
Now THAT is a unique shield. Beautiful multi-colored decoration and detailed bosses. And the tail! That's great!! Maybe water buffalo ? Do you have pics of the reverse side of the shield? Thanks for posting.
Rick.

[BANDOOK]

HI RICK,NICE SHIELD AM SURE THE GOLD COLOUR HAS
FADED WITH TIME,GOOD PATINA,HAVE YOU USED ANYTHING TO PRESERVE IT,LIKE BEESWAX ETC,CHEERS

[BANDOOK]

MIGUEL THATS AN AMAZING SHIELD VERY UNIQUE,MUST BE FOX OR WOLF TAIL WHICH IS USED AS A TALISMAN,CHEERS

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by BANDOOK

MIGUEL THATS AN AMAZING SHIELD VERY UNIQUE,MUST BE FOX OR WOLF TAIL WHICH IS USED AS A TALISMAN,CHEERS

Hi Bandook,
Thanks you may well be right I never thought of it like that. If it is as you suggest I don't know how it is attached as the tail is attached almost to the centre of the decorated circle and really looks as though it is part of the beast the shield was from. Miguel

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by rickystl

Hi Miguel.
Now THAT is a unique shield. Beautiful multi-colored decoration and detailed bosses. And the tail! That's great!! Maybe water buffalo ? Do you have pics of the reverse side of the shield? Thanks for posting.
Rick.

Hi Rick,
Glad you like it, I have no photos of the inside but will take some and try to show you tomorrow.
Regards Miguel

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by rickystl

Hi Miguel.
Now THAT is a unique shield. Beautiful multi-colored decoration and detailed bosses. And the tail! That's great!! Maybe water buffalo ? Do you have pics of the reverse side of the shield? Thanks for posting.
Rick.

Hi Rick,
I replied to you yesterday but it seems to have gone astray. Here are the pics you requested. Miguel