Tulwar or Khanda

Andy Stevens · 20th April 2005, 12:05 PM

This old Indian piece has got me thinking, is it a Tulwar or a Khanda? The blade is 29 inches long and 1inch at the tip. The false edge is 7 inches long. The blade has two fullers and an interesting mark (second picture). Another mark can be found as the ricasso (bottom picture). The weapon is heavy and feels very functional, a real fighting tool. Where do these swords come from and who used them? Thanks

Andrew · 20th April 2005, 01:54 PM

I usually think of swords with these straight, flaring blades as khanda, Andy.

tom hyle · 20th April 2005, 02:08 PM

Seems like a fairly typical khanda blade in tulwar dress; was such a typical sword in any time/place/tribe?

Ian · 20th April 2005, 02:11 PM

I agree with Andrew and Tom, this appears to be a tulwar-hilted khanda. The trident-like symbol may be Sikh in origin, while the khanda itself is a religious symbol for the Sikhs. The manner of the blade sharpening, with quite a prominent "bite" into the blade where it starts at the forte, and perhaps the rather squared-off ends to the quillions might also suggest a Sikh (Punjab) origin -- but that could be reading too much. Jim McD. can give you a better idea about the origin of this one.

Rick · 20th April 2005, 02:37 PM

Hi Andy , could you possibly take a sharp picture of the circular stamp near the langet ?
I would appreciate it very much !

Andy Stevens · 20th April 2005, 06:50 PM

Hello Rick
Here is a picture of the round stamp. I dont think the clarity will help much. Is this a makers stamp? I intend to post a couple of other Indian bits soon, I will try to get better photos.

Rick · 20th April 2005, 07:02 PM

Hi Andy , any similarity to this stamp ?
I would guess it is a partial MFR's stamp .

tom hyle · 21st April 2005, 02:36 AM

I searched the old forum and found an interesting thread called "can it be a khanda or what?" No pic, but I think it pertains to this type of sword.

20th April 2005, 12:05 PM	#1
Andy Stevens Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: London Posts: 155	Tulwar or Khanda This old Indian piece has got me thinking, is it a Tulwar or a Khanda? The blade is 29 inches long and 1inch at the tip. The false edge is 7 inches long. The blade has two fullers and an interesting mark (second picture). Another mark can be found as the ricasso (bottom picture). The weapon is heavy and feels very functional, a real fighting tool. Where do these swords come from and who used them? Thanks Attached Images

20th April 2005, 06:50 PM	#6
Andy Stevens Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: London Posts: 155	Hello Rick Here is a picture of the round stamp. I dont think the clarity will help much. Is this a makers stamp? I intend to post a couple of other Indian bits soon, I will try to get better photos. Attached Images

20th April 2005, 07:02 PM	#7
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,376	Hi Andy , any similarity to this stamp ? I would guess it is a partial MFR's stamp . Attached Images

20th April 2005, 01:54 PM	#2
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	I usually think of swords with these straight, flaring blades as khanda, Andy.

20th April 2005, 02:08 PM	#3
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	Seems like a fairly typical khanda blade in tulwar dress; was such a typical sword in any time/place/tribe?

20th April 2005, 02:11 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,513	I agree with Andrew and Tom, this appears to be a tulwar-hilted khanda. The trident-like symbol may be Sikh in origin, while the khanda itself is a religious symbol for the Sikhs. The manner of the blade sharpening, with quite a prominent "bite" into the blade where it starts at the forte, and perhaps the rather squared-off ends to the quillions might also suggest a Sikh (Punjab) origin -- but that could be reading too much. Jim McD. can give you a better idea about the origin of this one.

20th April 2005, 02:37 PM	#5
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,376	Hi Andy , could you possibly take a sharp picture of the circular stamp near the langet ? I would appreciate it very much !

21st April 2005, 02:36 AM	#8
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	I searched the old forum and found an interesting thread called "can it be a khanda or what?" No pic, but I think it pertains to this type of sword.