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Originally Posted by bhushan_lawate
Hi all,
Marathas did have a very strong navy presence. So did the Siddhi's (who were originally from Africa and were working under the Mughals)
There are historical accounts of lot of naval wars fought between the forces of British, Portugese, Marathas and Siddhis.
I have personally seen and have had the rare privilege of handling the personal sword of the first Maratha Admiral, Kanhoji Angre (also known as Angria in the British Factory Records).
Interestingly the sword in discussion here is very similar except that the personal sword of Angre has three fullers and a normal tulwar hilt. It also has some star shaped marks on the blade near the spine. It does not have a T shaped back but has a thick spine for reinforcement.
We cannot rule out the possibility of this sword being a naval sword.
Regards,
Bhushan.
http://indiannavy.nic.in/history.htm
P.S.: The Angre descendants are still living off the coast of Mumbai, India on a beach town called Alibaug. It is at their ancestral home in Alibaug the Famous Angre sword sits proudly in the Altar and is worshiped on auspicious days. |
Bhushan, thank you so much for your most valuable input on this sword. I very much appreciate your support for the possibility of this being a Maratha naval sword, and I find it very exciting to hear about the Angre sword. Is it possible that illustrations of this sword might be avialable? and would it be possible for them to be shown here given the deep reverence in which it is held by these descendants?
Very best regards,
Jim