Hi Freddy,
I don’t say it is from south India, what I am saying is, that types like that were used there in the early times. As has been mentioned, trade from the east coast of Africa to India, and many other places in the area, was intense very early, so influence is not out of the question.
The sculptures Robert Elgood shows are from 15th, 16th and 17th century – if I remember right. It is in its own right a strange hilt, rather big but short. On the other hand, I imagine that one would have a good grip at a hilt like that.
Nice layout you show.
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