What is its name

Jim McDougall · 19th July 2010, 11:37 PM

This appears to me to be an extremely attractive ceremonial or possibly parade sword of Rajput style, and most likely 20th century. I realize these type weapons that are highly embellished, in this case with images of Hindi deities, are often regarded as fashioned to satisfy the desire for souveniers by British officers of the Raj, but I think many of these weapons were actually intended to serve ceremonially.

The hilt is indeed a tulwar hilt, which corresponds to the rather arbitrary classifications in Pant ("Indian Arms and Armour", p.118, fig. 304) as a 'Udaipur' style . What should be noted is that the blade is indeed an interpretation of a khanda blade of classical form, as seen on iconography in Harshanath Temple in Rajasthan, and the heavy blade with angled spear shape is of about 11th century style. In sanskit literature the form is termed 'shulagra' (Pant p.104).

The ceremonies of Karga Shapna (worship of the sword) are described by Col. James Tod ("Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan", London, 1829), and ceremonial khanda is removed from the hall of arms (awadsala) and carried in procession.

Without closer examination to determine actual age of this sword, it is hard to say how old it might be, and ceremonial swords were typically very well cared for. Many Rajput weapons of considerable age carry these kinds of elaborate motifs, and I am uncertain on more modern versions of weapons in these categories. Whatever the case, it is what I would call a Rajput style khanda with tulwar hilt in ceremonial motif.

Thank you for sharing it here!!!

All best regards,
Jim

19th July 2010, 11:37 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	This appears to me to be an extremely attractive ceremonial or possibly parade sword of Rajput style, and most likely 20th century. I realize these type weapons that are highly embellished, in this case with images of Hindi deities, are often regarded as fashioned to satisfy the desire for souveniers by British officers of the Raj, but I think many of these weapons were actually intended to serve ceremonially. The hilt is indeed a tulwar hilt, which corresponds to the rather arbitrary classifications in Pant ("Indian Arms and Armour", p.118, fig. 304) as a 'Udaipur' style . What should be noted is that the blade is indeed an interpretation of a khanda blade of classical form, as seen on iconography in Harshanath Temple in Rajasthan, and the heavy blade with angled spear shape is of about 11th century style. In sanskit literature the form is termed 'shulagra' (Pant p.104). The ceremonies of Karga Shapna (worship of the sword) are described by Col. James Tod ("Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan", London, 1829), and ceremonial khanda is removed from the hall of arms (awadsala) and carried in procession. Without closer examination to determine actual age of this sword, it is hard to say how old it might be, and ceremonial swords were typically very well cared for. Many Rajput weapons of considerable age carry these kinds of elaborate motifs, and I am uncertain on more modern versions of weapons in these categories. Whatever the case, it is what I would call a Rajput style khanda with tulwar hilt in ceremonial motif. Thank you for sharing it here!!! All best regards, Jim