Indian Tegha

[Miguel]

Hi Everyone,
I have had this item for some time but have never really known what its real use. It certainly could be used as a weapon if the user was strong enough to wield it but I doubt that this was its use because of the decoration on the blade comprising of what appear to be Hindu Deities, script, foliage and a tableau on either side of the blade showing three raised figures in brass. The hilt is of cast copper and I wonder if this is the original or a replacement for a previous iron hilt. My inclination is to think that the item was for ceremonial or religious use. The overall length of the item is 36 ins with a bade length of 29 ins and width of 3.25 ins. Your comments would be appreciated, thank you.
Miguel

[ALEX]

Miguel,
I also think it is a ceremonial sword, and the original iron hilt was replaced.
HERE (http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2096&highlight=royal+khanda) is similarly decorated blade on straight Khanda sword from the time when I thought I found something special :) It is also quite bulky, and is late 19th to early 20th Century.
Also, HERE (http://www.oriental-arms.com/item.php?id=4001) is similar on OA site.

[ariel]

According to Oliver Pinchot in his text to the book of Wagner's Collection, such monsters were manufactured for the Delhi Durbar , although there are much earlier examples. They were and still are ( on E-Bay) presented as beheading swords.

Very impressive and scary concept , ideally suited for ceremonial purposes as well as tourist souvenirs .

But generally, tegha is just a sword ( tigh). For some reasons this word in the European literature was reserved for tulwars with wider than usual blades.

[estcrh]

According to Oliver Pinchot in his text to the book of Wagner's Collection, such monsters were manufactured for the Delhi Durbar , although there are much earlier examples. They were and still are ( on E-Bay) presented as beheading swords.

Maybe this picture had something to do with people thinking these huge swords were executioners sword.

[Miguel]

Thanks Alex for your comments and links most informative. I had also thought that it may be a late 19thC tourist piece but if it is, its a good one. Alex how do you add the links to your replies, I would like to be able to do it as it is a great help to the discussion.
Regards
Miguel

[Miguel]

Thanks Ariel and Estcrh for your interesting comments, I particularly find the concept of being made for the Delhi Durbar an avenue for further investigation. Thanks again to you both.
Miguel

[ALEX]

I agree, not a typical "tourist piece" in a sense. good steel, decent quality and chiseling.
To add the link, use a Link tool in the message menu bar. The first prompt is text to show as a link, the second prompt is actual web addess (url).
Thank you for posting interesting items, Miguel! Nice to see them all.

[Miguel]

Thanks Alex for the link info I am much obliged and look forward to further discussions.
Miguel