Here is a link to another thread with Algerian palas:
www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=12160
Looking at your sword Ariel, I believe it was entirely made in Afghanistan or Northern India. The blade as you pointed out has a ricasso and with the fullers it is closer to what we see on tulwars as opposed to Ottoman palas. The scabbard is also Afghan or Indian, same as the bolster on the hilt. The bird shaped pommel is intriguing but bird shaped pommels were used in many regions.
Whatever the case, it is a very nice and interesting sword.