Where did the practice of placing small stones in pulwar hilts originate?

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Mercenary

This is an Indian and then an Indo-Muslim feature. This is what animates the sword. The Indian weapon is a subject, not an object.

But pearls in the blade (or their metal analogue) are already a Muslim feature. This is the soul of the blade, as well as its shine. Persian "gauhar", Arabic "jauhar" - "blade shine" - also means "jewel", "precious stone", "pearl".

Well noted Mercenary, as has been understood, the sword in India was indeed not simply an object, but sensed as a vibrant living entity. I hope I have accurately described, but it is a delicate topic so I welcome elucidation.

The rattling beads held inside the pommel was a feature I have seen in several Sudanese swords which seemed in high esteem etc. and wondered if this was an affectation which came from India (as with the Rajput haladie or other Persian influences).