Indian Persian 18thc tulwar khanda sword?

katana · 23rd March 2010, 02:14 PM

I also believe North India/Afghanistan regions. Although the blade form is different, I am reminded of the Kopis.

Seems to have been used often....judging by the wear on the handle. The hilt is perfect for 'chopping' strikes or perhaps as a sacrificial short sword (Ram Dao).

Bearing in mind the Kopis spread across Northern India and Persia, it is not unreasonable to think variants may still exist in some areas. Below are some line drawings from "El Armamento Iberico" Fernando Quesada which helps to tie the hilt to the Kopis/Falcata. But could add weight to the arguement that North Africa could be a possible source !!!

The guard looks typical for Indian weapons as does much of the decoration, which seems to dismiss the African connection. Perhaps this was a commisioned piece made in Africa with design elements from India ???

What ever it is I like it.

Regards David

Rumpel · 23rd March 2010, 04:23 PM

Here's a left-field suggestion, utterly devoid of evidence: Northern Iraq?

The other thread stated that nimchas were known in Iraq; Kurmanji-speaking Northern Iraq is within the Persian cultural realm; the peacock is sacred to the local Yezidis; and they perform ritual ox sacrifice, in (perhaps) a similar manner to the Gurkhas, who use a kopis-like giant kukri for the purpose...

I can't prove any of this though

tom hyle · 24th March 2010, 06:56 AM

Also, a later thought; the long flat bolster at the base of the blade seems to be a hollow construction (almost ala habiki), whereas Tuareq etc. ones tend to be applied to the flat surfaces of the blade. Very suggestive illustrations there, and also raises the interesting question of how something so useful as the knucklebow has apparently risen, fallen, and returned at least once. Some ancient Latin gladiator weapons also had forms of basket hilts......

23rd March 2010, 02:14 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	I also believe North India/Afghanistan regions. Although the blade form is different, I am reminded of the Kopis. Seems to have been used often....judging by the wear on the handle. The hilt is perfect for 'chopping' strikes or perhaps as a sacrificial short sword (Ram Dao). Bearing in mind the Kopis spread across Northern India and Persia, it is not unreasonable to think variants may still exist in some areas. Below are some line drawings from "El Armamento Iberico" Fernando Quesada which helps to tie the hilt to the Kopis/Falcata. But could add weight to the arguement that North Africa could be a possible source !!! The guard looks typical for Indian weapons as does much of the decoration, which seems to dismiss the African connection. Perhaps this was a commisioned piece made in Africa with design elements from India ??? What ever it is I like it. Regards David Attached Images

23rd March 2010, 04:23 PM	#2
Rumpel Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 63	Here's a left-field suggestion, utterly devoid of evidence: Northern Iraq? The other thread stated that nimchas were known in Iraq; Kurmanji-speaking Northern Iraq is within the Persian cultural realm; the peacock is sacred to the local Yezidis; and they perform ritual ox sacrifice, in (perhaps) a similar manner to the Gurkhas, who use a kopis-like giant kukri for the purpose... I can't prove any of this though

24th March 2010, 06:56 AM	#3
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	Also, a later thought; the long flat bolster at the base of the blade seems to be a hollow construction (almost ala habiki), whereas Tuareq etc. ones tend to be applied to the flat surfaces of the blade. Very suggestive illustrations there, and also raises the interesting question of how something so useful as the knucklebow has apparently risen, fallen, and returned at least once. Some ancient Latin gladiator weapons also had forms of basket hilts......