Afghan Pulowar blade type?

mariusgmioc · 19th July 2016, 01:31 PM

Thank you!

Jim McDougall · 19th July 2016, 07:17 PM

While the brief responses are quite correct, I thought it might be helpful to offer a few extra words to explain why this blade is Indian for others who read here and future researchers.
If you note at the edge of the blade, the extended blocked section at the root which is blunt. This is inherently present in most cases on these blades to the point of being termed by Rawson, "the Indian ricasso'.

While the sword itself is known as a 'paluoar' typically attributed to Afghanistan, it must be noted that until the 20th century, these regions were known collectively in the British Raj as northern India. In Egerton (1884), these are depicted with other tulwars and classified 'Indian'. There are certain inherent characteristics which are sometimes found hybridized in regular form tulwars, which can often presumably offer potential classification of these to northern regions, perhaps Sind and Baluchistan. These would include the quartered guard with floral device or other fixture at center; the vertically fluted grip and the pierced openwork as instances.

As discussions through the years here have revealed, the term 'paluaor' is unknown in referring to these swords, which reflect the profound influence from the Deccan probably via ongoing diplomatic and cultural channels.

mariusgmioc · 19th July 2016, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

While the brief responses are quite correct, I thought it might be helpful to offer a few extra words to explain why this blade is Indian for others who read here and future researchers.

Thank you very much for the explanations!

At least for me, they are most welcomed.

Jim McDougall · 19th July 2016, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

Thank you very much for the explanations!

At least for me, they are most welcomed.

As is your most courteous response

and I appreciate your sharing this example here to present the opportunity .

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 20th July 2016, 06:40 AM

Afghanistan. Against the light blue background and Enfield blade on a 'Paluoar'

mariusgmioc · 20th July 2016, 09:09 AM

double message deleted

mariusgmioc · 20th July 2016, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Afghanistan. Against the light blue background and Enfield blade on a 'Paluoar'

Thanks for the photos!

The blade of the first one is absolutely stunning... and I mean WOW!

Any idea where might that blade come from?

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 20th July 2016, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

Thanks for the photos!

The blade of the first one is absolutely stunning... and I mean WOW!

Any idea where might that blade come from?

This type of blade is quite unusual as the slots in the blade can carry pearls...which slide up and down... I think it is called the blade/tears of the afflicted or something like that. The Chinese incorporated this design but it is often also seen in Afghan/Persian/ Indian blades. See http://thomaschen.freewebspace.com/photo2.html for the Chinese link ....and as good as it gets this is discussed with excellent detail at Forum Library http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ears+afflicted
Some observe the decorative nature and I agree with that..as well as the technology in engineering such a blade. The blade also seen in the second picture looks classy and since it has both a great cartouche and magic squares as well as having the appearance of wootz;...a nice weapon..

BANDOOK · 20th July 2016, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

While the brief responses are quite correct, I thought it might be helpful to offer a few extra words to explain why this blade is Indian for others who read here and future researchers.
If you note at the edge of the blade, the extended blocked section at the root which is blunt. This is inherently present in most cases on these blades to the point of being termed by Rawson, "the Indian ricasso'.

While the sword itself is known as a 'paluoar' typically attributed to Afghanistan, it must be noted that until the 20th century, these regions were known collectively in the British Raj as northern India. In Egerton (1884), these are depicted with other tulwars and classified 'Indian'. There are certain inherent characteristics which are sometimes found hybridized in regular form tulwars, which can often presumably offer potential classification of these to northern regions, perhaps Sind and Baluchistan. These would include the quartered guard with floral device or other fixture at center; the vertically fluted grip and the pierced openwork as instances.

As discussions through the years here have revealed, the term 'paluaor' is unknown in referring to these swords, which reflect the profound influence from the Deccan probably via ongoing diplomatic and cultural channels.

GREAT INFORMATION JIM,MANY THANKS

20th July 2016, 06:40 AM	#5
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Afghanistan. Against the light blue background and Enfield blade on a 'Paluoar' Attached Images

20th July 2016, 09:09 AM	#6
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,911	double message deleted Last edited by mariusgmioc; 20th July 2016 at 10:35 AM.

19th July 2016, 01:31 PM	#1
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,911	Thank you!

19th July 2016, 07:17 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,278	While the brief responses are quite correct, I thought it might be helpful to offer a few extra words to explain why this blade is Indian for others who read here and future researchers. If you note at the edge of the blade, the extended blocked section at the root which is blunt. This is inherently present in most cases on these blades to the point of being termed by Rawson, "the Indian ricasso'. While the sword itself is known as a 'paluoar' typically attributed to Afghanistan, it must be noted that until the 20th century, these regions were known collectively in the British Raj as northern India. In Egerton (1884), these are depicted with other tulwars and classified 'Indian'. There are certain inherent characteristics which are sometimes found hybridized in regular form tulwars, which can often presumably offer potential classification of these to northern regions, perhaps Sind and Baluchistan. These would include the quartered guard with floral device or other fixture at center; the vertically fluted grip and the pierced openwork as instances. As discussions through the years here have revealed, the term 'paluaor' is unknown in referring to these swords, which reflect the profound influence from the Deccan probably via ongoing diplomatic and cultural channels.