Oops, I missed the hole!
What it means, beyond doubt, is that the blade/handle marriage is not their first one.
This blade was formerly used for a sword with a real baskethill
handle and was riveted.
This is a replacement; either old (Indians saved handles and used replacement blades) or new.
If the former, it is OK, if the latter...
I have seen several Indian swords, usually with desirable Khanda, Sossun Pata or Tegha blades (all recently made) inserted into old "Khanda" handles and sold for a fortune.
This one does not look new, but just in case, look carefully if there are signs of any new sharpening, whether the steel is soft etc.
Sorry for sounding paranoid, but I gor burned myself...
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