Ayda Katti, Moplah, Corg, Matchu Sword or Something else

mahratt · 8th September 2022, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drac2k

All of the above bear similarities to this sword, but they don't quite fit the bill. The guard and the handle as well as the length of the blade(21"), and its configuration don't match.
I think that it is a Southern Indian Sword and possibly from Malabar and I know I've seen a similar example somewhere, but I can not remember from where.

India, Malabar

This axe-hatchet (Aruval) was in use both for fighting/protection as well as agricultural tool. The blade shape of this type reminds the form of blades on the Coorg’s Ayda Katti sword of the Kodava people from Karnataka

Jerseyman · 8th September 2022, 10:53 AM

I don't have any references yet, though I'll keep searching my library, but I do have a couple of items in my collection. The pictures are not great as one is an archive photo, so no stats or more details to post, unless I dig it out for a closer look. The second is a recent acquisition and I only have the auction picture to share at the moment. Both seem to be from a related family of weapons/tools judging by the hilt formation. I've heard these described as congavellum, Malabar chopper, South Indian axe... Your blade is much more of a fighting conformation I'd say.

drac2k · 8th September 2022, 12:58 PM

Thank you both for your insightful observations. I guess mine is a hybrid; Mahratt's example has a 13" blade whereas mine is 21" long and it has a blood groove running along almost its entire length(probably not clear from my pictures). Also, the curvature on the blade is less pronounced and I would agree with Jerseyman that this would make it more of a fighting sword and less "axe-like."

8th September 2022, 10:53 AM	#2
Jerseyman Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 97	I don't have any references yet, though I'll keep searching my library, but I do have a couple of items in my collection. The pictures are not great as one is an archive photo, so no stats or more details to post, unless I dig it out for a closer look. The second is a recent acquisition and I only have the auction picture to share at the moment. Both seem to be from a related family of weapons/tools judging by the hilt formation. I've heard these described as congavellum, Malabar chopper, South Indian axe... Your blade is much more of a fighting conformation I'd say. Attached Images

8th September 2022, 12:58 PM	#3
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,258	Thank you both for your insightful observations. I guess mine is a hybrid; Mahratt's example has a 13" blade whereas mine is 21" long and it has a blood groove running along almost its entire length(probably not clear from my pictures). Also, the curvature on the blade is less pronounced and I would agree with Jerseyman that this would make it more of a fighting sword and less "axe-like."