Tulwar Hilted Kora

Jim McDougall · 17th December 2007, 04:32 PM

Ahah! The reference is revealed!!! Thank you Jens

Now that we know it indeed is a boomerang the strange kingly figure is holding, perhaps we might better assess what this particular kora was for.
In using the Elgood reference, he notes that the 'birudungi' was this South Indian form of boomerang with one end cut square, the other ending in a knob, as seen in the inscribed figure on the blade of the kora. There is also the suggestion that the Maravar were one tribal group using these, and formed the state of Sivaganga, the use of the thrown stick described c.1795.

While this kora seems later 19th century, perhaps it is inscribed recalling the traditions there, and was indeed referencing combat events. Elgood describes the kora further on p.252, "...the kora is generally described by modern writers as Nepalese but appears particularly associated with Bengal. A kora in the Kandy Museum , Sri Lanka, is said to be the weapon of the last royal executioner". The reference continues to p.238 where the term 'bughalee' becomes synonymous in 19th century with the kora, and the seven examples held in the Royal Danish Kunsthammer inventory from 1674, describing these as East Indian sabres.

Interestingly, the boomerang held by the 'king' has the widened end shaped with double concave tip, like the kora, rather than the straight end in the illustrated and described examples in Elgood. Perhaps associating the weapon with the kora, which apparantly was also an established weapon?

Brings to mind the question of development of the kora in Nepal, and whether that occurred from Southern India to the north.

All best regards,
Jim

17th December 2007, 04:32 PM	#11
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,470	Ahah! The reference is revealed!!! Thank you Jens Now that we know it indeed is a boomerang the strange kingly figure is holding, perhaps we might better assess what this particular kora was for. In using the Elgood reference, he notes that the 'birudungi' was this South Indian form of boomerang with one end cut square, the other ending in a knob, as seen in the inscribed figure on the blade of the kora. There is also the suggestion that the Maravar were one tribal group using these, and formed the state of Sivaganga, the use of the thrown stick described c.1795. While this kora seems later 19th century, perhaps it is inscribed recalling the traditions there, and was indeed referencing combat events. Elgood describes the kora further on p.252, "...the kora is generally described by modern writers as Nepalese but appears particularly associated with Bengal. A kora in the Kandy Museum , Sri Lanka, is said to be the weapon of the last royal executioner". The reference continues to p.238 where the term 'bughalee' becomes synonymous in 19th century with the kora, and the seven examples held in the Royal Danish Kunsthammer inventory from 1674, describing these as East Indian sabres. Interestingly, the boomerang held by the 'king' has the widened end shaped with double concave tip, like the kora, rather than the straight end in the illustrated and described examples in Elgood. Perhaps associating the weapon with the kora, which apparantly was also an established weapon? Brings to mind the question of development of the kora in Nepal, and whether that occurred from Southern India to the north. All best regards, Jim