Indo Persian "Cobra" Sword

Jim McDougall · 19th October 2022, 05:53 PM

As the discussion on these began in about 2007 (possibly earlier?) with Tatyana's example then, there has been notable discussion on them but as may be expected, it is hard to reach consensus on such an anomalous sword type. It seems that of course this is a symbolic sword and possibly connected to Hindu kings as referenced in the 'Nujum al Ulum in 16th c.

The Afghan style pommel on these is likely of course to derive from Pathan presence and influences in Kurnool and other minor Afghan principalities in regions and near Hyderabad.
Many of these have striated Vijayanagara type blades, but there are variations obviously for interpretations reflecting Bijapur art styles, Mughal motif and other as these were known in other areas as well as the Deccan.

Therefore it would seem that damascus blades might occur as well as others.

Whatever the case, an amazing example, congratulations Stefan!

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19th October 2022, 05:53 PM	#11
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,191	As the discussion on these began in about 2007 (possibly earlier?) with Tatyana's example then, there has been notable discussion on them but as may be expected, it is hard to reach consensus on such an anomalous sword type. It seems that of course this is a symbolic sword and possibly connected to Hindu kings as referenced in the 'Nujum al Ulum in 16th c. The Afghan style pommel on these is likely of course to derive from Pathan presence and influences in Kurnool and other minor Afghan principalities in regions and near Hyderabad. Many of these have striated Vijayanagara type blades, but there are variations obviously for interpretations reflecting Bijapur art styles, Mughal motif and other as these were known in other areas as well as the Deccan. Therefore it would seem that damascus blades might occur as well as others. Whatever the case, an amazing example, congratulations Stefan!