Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - Pirates of Malabar Coast in 17th to 19th c swords

Jim McDougall · Yesterday, 08:20 PM

In recent studies on pirates of the 17th century, particularly English, and Captain Kidd and others operating from Madagascar into the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean, there were contingents of Indian pirates also preying on the vessels of India and the East India Co.

It seems key to these pirates on the Malabar Coast of west India, were the Angrians, who operated from their base located in the harbor and fort called Suvanadurg between Portuguese Goa and British Bombay. While first built in 17th c by Mahrattas , it was later taken over by a pirate dynasty that by the early 18th c. was ruled by Tulagi Angria, who preyed both on EIC and Mughal shipping.

In many discussions over the years we have discussed the swords with heavy often concave edged curved blades with Indian style hilts, either the 'tulwar' form or 'khanda' style. While the tulwar style is typically regarded as northern and used by Mughals, Rajputs and Sikhs........the 'khanda' style (Hindu basket hilt) is typically regarded as a Mahratta weapon (though also used by Rajputs).

It does not seem there is any particular agreement or definition of the proper term for these ...tegha, kirach, or the collective 'firangi'.

I am wondering if there are any notions toward, or evidence of, these types of stout blades Indian swords used in naval context, whether by the vessels of the Mahrattas or of course, pirate ships of Indian source.

Though there are numerous discussions on these types of swords of India, there seems to be nothing directed toward the possible maritime use of these.

I'd really appreciate some input, and especially examples of Indian swords (or other edged weapons) which might be considered in these contexts.

Yesterday, 08:20 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,795	Pirates of Malabar Coast in 17th to 19th c swords In recent studies on pirates of the 17th century, particularly English, and Captain Kidd and others operating from Madagascar into the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean, there were contingents of Indian pirates also preying on the vessels of India and the East India Co. It seems key to these pirates on the Malabar Coast of west India, were the Angrians, who operated from their base located in the harbor and fort called Suvanadurg between Portuguese Goa and British Bombay. While first built in 17th c by Mahrattas , it was later taken over by a pirate dynasty that by the early 18th c. was ruled by Tulagi Angria, who preyed both on EIC and Mughal shipping. In many discussions over the years we have discussed the swords with heavy often concave edged curved blades with Indian style hilts, either the 'tulwar' form or 'khanda' style. While the tulwar style is typically regarded as northern and used by Mughals, Rajputs and Sikhs........the 'khanda' style (Hindu basket hilt) is typically regarded as a Mahratta weapon (though also used by Rajputs). It does not seem there is any particular agreement or definition of the proper term for these ...tegha, kirach, or the collective 'firangi'. I am wondering if there are any notions toward, or evidence of, these types of stout blades Indian swords used in naval context, whether by the vessels of the Mahrattas or of course, pirate ships of Indian source. Though there are numerous discussions on these types of swords of India, there seems to be nothing directed toward the possible maritime use of these. I'd really appreciate some input, and especially examples of Indian swords (or other edged weapons) which might be considered in these contexts.