Going to the extreme, which one would you buy: old, beat up khanda with nick-ed edges and simple Old Indian hilt or a modern Rajastani replica with modern damascus blade and a hilt covered in golden decorations?
Both are genuine Indian, both reflect centuries-old tradition, but... the lavish example has no magic of history behind it. It has no tales to tell.
I go for the simple and old examples.
My wife once asked me whether I thought that some.. at least some... of my sword actually, you know.... KILLED people?
Well, - I said, - I hope so!
Otherwise, they would not be weapons. Wall hangers, no more. No amount of decoration, Kirk Narduban , exotic pamor, rare wood, shiny blade or perfect fit of the scabbard or a handle can substitute for the aura of history.
This is my personal view, and I defininitely don't want to impose my philosophy on anybody. Please, have your rich, decorated, pristine things. I shall be only glad to go for the old, often beat up and simple fighting examples. To each his own.
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