Tulwar Hilt Straight Blade, Sukhela?
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Hi Guys,
Picked this up today, blade length a touch over 30 inches and width at widest 1 1/2 inches, blade is thinner than I'm used to on Indian swords but very springy and flexible. It was covered in a thick layer of tobacco tar and took time to clean but it did reveal traces of goldwork on top of the pommel and under the langets so should have been a looker in its day. I think this sword might be a bit special re Indian swords so I look forward with interest to your thoughts and opinions. There is a thread started by Gav, 'freebooter', on 'Straight bladed Tulwars', with posts by Jim, Jens and others which I think has pertinence to this sword but I don't know how to do a link :( Regards, Norman. |
Fine looking sword Norman. Is it an imported blade?
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Here is the link; http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...+bladed+tulwar I'm working my way through to your request, I hope it is not time critical...sorry. Gav |
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Hi Gene,
Thanks, I've no idea if this is a European blade or not there are absolutely no markings at all. Hi Gav, Thanks for posting the link. Request not time sensitive I bought 2 Arabian matchlocks with this sword!, pocket money all gone this month, which I will post in due course. Regards to you both, Norman. P.S. Attached a better photo of the hilt top. |
Hi Norman
Very nice kirash you have early to mid 19th century. :) |
Hi Lew,
Thanks, from what I have read this blade does not have the downward curve that appears to define a Kirach/Kirash or is this attribute not necessary in the definition? Thanks again. Regards, Norman. |
Hi Norman,
You are right in noting that the kirach is supposed to be not entirely straight, a slight curve toward the tip. Terminology in Indian swords in particular among ethnographic forms can sometimes be remarkably confusing. In my understanding this may probably best be considered a sukhela as you have rightly suggested. While the term itself also has applications to a low carbon type steel used in India and often believed associated with these, it primarily refers to a straight bladed sword. Apparantly these straight bladed swords are highly regarded as representation of authority, in essence, a 'sword of state' and carried by court officials, awarded to soldiers in high esteem and honored and other similar stations. The straight bladed sword I believe in Marathi is termed 'dhup' but obviously thier swords were khanda (or firangi) and pata which had straight blades, so it is puzzling to consider how that would apply. This is of course an Indian made blade, and you have acquired an usual and interesting sword. It would be interesting if someone could post a kirach so we might compare these, as well as better explain the dhup term....Jens? :) All the best, Jim |
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An extreme example .
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of a kirach. |
Jim
Kirash shaped blades are a bit confusing even the slightest downward curve could classify the blade as kirash? http://oriental-arms.com/photos.php?id=903 |
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Hi All,
Here are some more photos. I have tried to demonstrate the flex in the blade, good springy steel. I have also tried to give a better perspective re the straightness of the blade, it has obviously been sharpened a few times but to my mind there is no indication of a forward curve. The resin used to fix the blade into the hilt has a distinctive dark red hue whether this is of any consequence I don't know. Regards, Norman. |
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It appears that I have one in fine grain wootz . :D
Never tried the flex much before . So, what is the form called? Not a kirach; a dhup ? :shrug: |
Hi Rick,
Thanks for posting your example, bend and all. Although I would need the sword in hand to be absolutely sure I can't see any sign of the forward curve which appears to classify and identify a Kirach/Kirash. If the sword I posted had a Scottish or English Basket Hilt rather than a 'Tulwar' type I'm sure it could be classified as a backsword with an unmarked continental European trade blade probably German. I'm pretty sure and with my limited experience, this may be a phrase I live to regret, that the blade is Indian made but more 18thC than 19thC. I just don't think this sword fits into the Kirach mould. This is not the only Indian sword that I have which isn't easily pigeonholed so maybe it is not so unusual to find unclassified and variant forms here and there from such an old and vast civilisation. Regards, Norman. |
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