Monstrous Indian Sword

Valjhun · 18th July 2006, 05:35 PM

YES!

I've managed to buy it actually. I was a bit sceptic, but today I visited my friend and I persuaded him to sell me the sword. I fallen in love with the sword in the right moment I've took it in my hand. WHAT A MASTERPIECE! It's balance is terrific and (well I'm a little bit ashamed of telling you that

) it gives you a sense an incredible sense of power holding it!!!! I handled a lot of tulwars and even similar size teghas, but I can assure you that noone was so balanced and of such gorgeus feeling about it. You can make a deadly slash with it.

Constructed of very fine laminated steel (maybe wootz), that the photos doesn't make justice.

Not so bad, even with its notch. The points are very flexible an they wont bed or broke off I guess, even in the heat of the combat. Somewhere I've read that Hindus predileged holy forms on their weapons over a pratical use. Is that the case?

There is a photo of one quite similar in the Jaiwants' book on page 62, where it is defined as SAPOLA or PAHARI SWORD, HIMICAL OR UTTAR PRADESH, 16th century A.D. What does that mean?

Further what is the meaning of thoose flowers?

Jens Nordlunde · 18th July 2006, 09:37 PM

Hi Valjhun,

You wrote 'There is a photo of one quite similar in the Jaiwants' book on page 62'. Did you know that the author wrote more than one book? Please tell us which book you are refering to.

Valjhun · 18th July 2006, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jens Nordlunde

Hi Valjhun,

You wrote 'There is a photo of one quite similar in the Jaiwants' book on page 62'. Did you know that the author wrote more than one book? Please tell us which book you are refering to.

Sorry Jens, I didn't know that Mr. Jaiwant wrote other books than Arms and Armour - Traditional weapons of India.

I'm really looking forward to read your comment about it. Thanks!

Valjhun · 24th July 2006, 07:52 PM

Seems that the hilt was covered with silver, once.

spiral · 26th July 2006, 11:01 PM

Fascinating piece!

Spiral

Valjhun · 17th August 2006, 12:36 PM

I've found a probable answer:

From R. Elgoods, Hindu arms and Ritual:
"While form and decoration on European arms generally follow effective function, in Hindu weaponry functional efficiency was achieved by designing arms according to ancient rules in order to attract the goddes to take up residence. Her presence made them effective on the battledield while prophylactic motifs similar to those found on temples protected the user if the weapon against malevolent spirits attracted by vilence. These ornate weapons ebabled the king and his warriors to fight for the preservation of the ideal Hindu state."

Is that the case? What do you think?

Bill M · 17th August 2006, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valjhun

I've found a probable answer:

From R. Elgoods, Hindu arms and Ritual:
"While form and decoration on European arms generally follow effective function, in Hindu weaponry functional efficiency was achieved by designing arms according to ancient rules in order to attract the goddes to take up residence. Her presence made them effective on the battledield while prophylactic motifs similar to those found on temples protected the user if the weapon against malevolent spirits attracted by vilence. These ornate weapons ebabled the king and his warriors to fight for the preservation of the ideal Hindu state."

Is that the case? What do you think?

This is certainly true regarding the Newar, Nair or temple swords that were strictly used in rituals. I have several that were used by the Theyyam of Kerala / Malabar.

Pictured below is one of these temple swords, held by a Theyyam in trance. He has become the goddess.

I will post a thread on my sword I have soon as I can take some pictures.

Silver was an important metal. The 18th c sword I have is solid silver with brass or bronze sideplates. The newer swords, like the one pictured below are sadly no longer silver due to the expense.

katana · 18th July 2006, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valjhun

YES!

WHAT A MASTERPIECE! It's balance is terrific and (well I'm a little bit ashamed of telling you that

) it gives you a sense an incredible sense of power holding it!!!! I handled a lot of tulwars and even similar size teghas, but I can assure you that noone was so balanced and of such gorgeus feeling about it. You can make a deadly slash with it.

Constructed of very fine laminated steel (maybe wootz), that the photos doesn't make justice.

Not so bad, even with its notch. The points are very flexible an they wont bed or broke off I guess, even in the heat of the combat.

Valjhun, I said before that I really liked it......but after these comments .....
I LIKE IT EVEN MORE

18th July 2006, 05:35 PM	#1
Valjhun Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 692	YES! I've managed to buy it actually. I was a bit sceptic, but today I visited my friend and I persuaded him to sell me the sword. I fallen in love with the sword in the right moment I've took it in my hand. WHAT A MASTERPIECE! It's balance is terrific and (well I'm a little bit ashamed of telling you that ) it gives you a sense an incredible sense of power holding it!!!! I handled a lot of tulwars and even similar size teghas, but I can assure you that noone was so balanced and of such gorgeus feeling about it. You can make a deadly slash with it. Constructed of very fine laminated steel (maybe wootz), that the photos doesn't make justice. Not so bad, even with its notch. The points are very flexible an they wont bed or broke off I guess, even in the heat of the combat. Somewhere I've read that Hindus predileged holy forms on their weapons over a pratical use. Is that the case? There is a photo of one quite similar in the Jaiwants' book on page 62, where it is defined as SAPOLA or PAHARI SWORD, HIMICAL OR UTTAR PRADESH, 16th century A.D. What does that mean? Further what is the meaning of thoose flowers? Last edited by Valjhun; 18th July 2006 at 05:57 PM.

24th July 2006, 07:52 PM	#4
Valjhun Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 692	Seems that the hilt was covered with silver, once. Attached Images

18th July 2006, 09:37 PM	#2
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Hi Valjhun, You wrote 'There is a photo of one quite similar in the Jaiwants' book on page 62'. Did you know that the author wrote more than one book? Please tell us which book you are refering to.

26th July 2006, 11:01 PM	#5
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Fascinating piece! Spiral

17th August 2006, 12:36 PM	#6
Valjhun Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 692	I've found a probable answer: From R. Elgoods, Hindu arms and Ritual: "While form and decoration on European arms generally follow effective function, in Hindu weaponry functional efficiency was achieved by designing arms according to ancient rules in order to attract the goddes to take up residence. Her presence made them effective on the battledield while prophylactic motifs similar to those found on temples protected the user if the weapon against malevolent spirits attracted by vilence. These ornate weapons ebabled the king and his warriors to fight for the preservation of the ideal Hindu state." Is that the case? What do you think?