I see... I wonder why they chose Makara as a popular motif on swords, perhaps because of the fierceness of crocodiles... Did the coming and popularity of Islam start to change the Hindu and animist stylistic elements of the weapons? I've heard that Islamic beliefs forbid the carving of idols, animals, etc. on hilt - not sure if it's true.
The sword hilt you just provided an image for - is that a very reduced and stylized form of Makara?
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