[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by CharlesS

I'd like to make one comment on Jim's excellent observations, that is, in regards to the tulwar not travelling out of the Indian subcontinent.

I think the piso podang of Sumatra, primarily, but also seen in other regions, including Borneo, is very heavily influenced by the tulwar, or at the very least the earlier more archaic Indian hilts. There are some good old examples in Elgood's latest work that match up nicely to the piso podang form. In most cases the piso podang is shorter than the average tulwar and that is an adaptation, but otherwise, I think, clearly influenced by the "travelling tulwar".

Outstanding Charles!! and thank you
I completely forgot about the 'piso' and the influences of Indian swords moving into SE Asia. I think that khandas also joined in the 'travels' along with the trusty tulwar.

All the best,
Jim