Help..Information on Khanda scabbard design needed

Jim McDougall · 15th June 2007, 12:16 AM

As to colour (color

) significance I found this.....

...."The saffron colour is considered auspicious by Hindus. This color has a special significance to the Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs. Among the Sikhs it is considered to be a militant colour signifying a fight against injustice. Saffron coloured triangular flag is considered to be a religious symbol.. This flag is seen flying atop temples (Mandirs) and Gurudwaras."...

This is colour linked to religion, interestingly Green has similar meaning to Muslims. I can find no reference to colours that represented region/ kingdom alliance/Ruler or other belief 'criteria'.

Hi David,
Nice work on finding the data on the colors! I just recalled another great source "Islamic Arms and Armour of Mughal India" by Haider. There are many outstanding color plates of mounted warriors which clearly illustrate the accoutrements and colors and there are plates showing the pennons as well. The green is as you note, a very sacred color in Islam as I understand. I cannot think of regional or other geopolitical color symbolism as applied especially to scabbards. I would presume Rajput or Sikh associations with the khanda in this case, recalling of course the Mahratta as well.

Although it sounds like extra work on your scabbard, it appears you're well on the right track, and it will be worthwhile.

Keep us posted!

All the best,
Jim

spiral · 16th June 2007, 05:54 PM

Nice work Katana, narrower as the others say would be good, after all velvet will also add quite alot to its width & thickness.

The colour traditionaly used most on velvet scabbards in Nepal is Simrik, which of course is saffron or crimson colour.

In fact it is the official National colour of Nepal & is written into there constitution as such, It is used to signify the braveness & toughness of the Nepali people.

I imagine that perhaps it originates as representative as the blood of the fallen heros?

Spiral

katana · 17th June 2007, 02:30 PM

Thankyou Henk, Galvano, Jim and Spiral, for your comments

(Spiral I seem to remember you are/were a cabinet maker....so praise indeed, thank you

)

Galvano, I didn't know that most scabbards were of 'white wood', I chose mahogany for its strengh and durabillity. Mahagony was planted in India during the Colonial era.......so there is a chance that the wood I used was grown in India

I have removed more wood from the scabbard and I think it has improved the 'look'. Just need to 'tidy' the 'mouth' of the scabbard
As to the velvet covering I am trying to 'source' some old velvet from, say, old curtains. I think 'new' velvet would not 'look right'....would prefer the slightly worn/faded look.

17th June 2007, 02:30 PM	#3
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Thankyou Henk, Galvano, Jim and Spiral, for your comments (Spiral I seem to remember you are/were a cabinet maker....so praise indeed, thank you ) Galvano, I didn't know that most scabbards were of 'white wood', I chose mahogany for its strengh and durabillity. Mahagony was planted in India during the Colonial era.......so there is a chance that the wood I used was grown in India I have removed more wood from the scabbard and I think it has improved the 'look'. Just need to 'tidy' the 'mouth' of the scabbard As to the velvet covering I am trying to 'source' some old velvet from, say, old curtains. I think 'new' velvet would not 'look right'....would prefer the slightly worn/faded look. Attached Images

15th June 2007, 12:16 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	As to colour (color ) significance I found this..... ...."The saffron colour is considered auspicious by Hindus. This color has a special significance to the Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs. Among the Sikhs it is considered to be a militant colour signifying a fight against injustice. Saffron coloured triangular flag is considered to be a religious symbol.. This flag is seen flying atop temples (Mandirs) and Gurudwaras."... This is colour linked to religion, interestingly Green has similar meaning to Muslims. I can find no reference to colours that represented region/ kingdom alliance/Ruler or other belief 'criteria'. Hi David, Nice work on finding the data on the colors! I just recalled another great source "Islamic Arms and Armour of Mughal India" by Haider. There are many outstanding color plates of mounted warriors which clearly illustrate the accoutrements and colors and there are plates showing the pennons as well. The green is as you note, a very sacred color in Islam as I understand. I cannot think of regional or other geopolitical color symbolism as applied especially to scabbards. I would presume Rajput or Sikh associations with the khanda in this case, recalling of course the Mahratta as well. Although it sounds like extra work on your scabbard, it appears you're well on the right track, and it will be worthwhile. Keep us posted! All the best, Jim

16th June 2007, 05:54 PM	#2
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Nice work Katana, narrower as the others say would be good, after all velvet will also add quite alot to its width & thickness. The colour traditionaly used most on velvet scabbards in Nepal is Simrik, which of course is saffron or crimson colour. In fact it is the official National colour of Nepal & is written into there constitution as such, It is used to signify the braveness & toughness of the Nepali people. I imagine that perhaps it originates as representative as the blood of the fallen heros? Spiral