Hello Archer,
There is a late 17th C sword from Tanjore with a similar hilt to this. (Similar, not the same)
The creature is a Yali, with a bird body.
Firmly Hindu.
Tanjore down-turned quillons often have animal or bird head finials.
Blade looks very nice quality, but I'm always hesitant when it comes to brass hilts, as they are hard to date, for me anyway!...and easy to duplicate.
Jens knows much more about these things than I ever will, and he will set us all straight!
Best,
Richard.
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