A most unusual haladie for comment

estcrh · 2nd February 2016, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drac2k

I think we can call this a haladie based on the fact that it has 2 opposite blades, however even though I have seen this weapon with a third blade, I have never seen one with 3 spikes and 2 blades.
It is hand forged and well made, but I am unsure how old this is or if it is a fantasy piece. I am seeing some interesting "old-new," items coming out of India recently, but I can not find anything like this.It measures 18" in length, the blades and spikes are sharp .

There is a weapons called "vajra mushti" which is a nuckleduster that has spikes/blades etc at the nuckle and blades/spikes etc at either end, Jim already posted one variety. The grip of your haladie looks similar but with asymmetrical haladie blades attached.

As for the age, that is hard to tell, it has a very primitive/rustic look, not like most replicas that you might see lately. While researching an unusual symmetrical bladed haladie that I had a chance to look at I was told by someone with a lot of knowledge of Indian weapons this quote that may as well apply to your haladie as well.

Quote:

Its not a weapon made that conforms to any I have seen before, nor does the style and construction method conform to known methods and styles. Therefore I would say it is either a village made item (amateur smith) or a modern reproduction.

drac2k · 2nd February 2016, 01:09 PM

Now that you have posted examples, I can see the similarities of the weapons; mine being the crudest of the lot.
What was the significance of the Thugges putting their victims eyes out? Was it religious , ritualistic or punitive ?

kronckew · 2nd February 2016, 01:18 PM

the eye was a window to the soul

also a window to the brain, a thrust thru the eye into the brain thru a fairly thin layer of bone would kill quickly and relatively bloodlessly, what little did ooze out after the victim died and the heart stops before you then pulled out the dagger would drop into the well, followed by the body. anywhere else may have cut an artery or vein and it might spurt a fair distance while they died.

drac2k · 2nd February 2016, 02:01 PM

Very interesting and based on the drawing it makes sense; the heads are held over the well and as you say, any small drops of blood would have been dissipated in the water. Thanks for the answer.

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2nd February 2016, 01:09 PM	#2
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,255	Now that you have posted examples, I can see the similarities of the weapons; mine being the crudest of the lot. What was the significance of the Thugges putting their victims eyes out? Was it religious , ritualistic or punitive ?

2nd February 2016, 01:18 PM	#3
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,215	the eye was a window to the soul also a window to the brain, a thrust thru the eye into the brain thru a fairly thin layer of bone would kill quickly and relatively bloodlessly, what little did ooze out after the victim died and the heart stops before you then pulled out the dagger would drop into the well, followed by the body. anywhere else may have cut an artery or vein and it might spurt a fair distance while they died.

2nd February 2016, 02:01 PM	#4
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,255	Very interesting and based on the drawing it makes sense; the heads are held over the well and as you say, any small drops of blood would have been dissipated in the water. Thanks for the answer.