Pirates of Malabar Coast in 17th to 19th c swords

[Jim McDougall]

In recent studies on pirates of the 17th century, particularly English, and Captain Kidd and others operating from Madagascar into the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean, there were contingents of Indian pirates also preying on the vessels of India and the East India Co.

It seems key to these pirates on the Malabar Coast of west India, were the Angrians, who operated from their base located in the harbor and fort called Suvanadurg between Portuguese Goa and British Bombay. While first built in 17th c by Mahrattas , it was later taken over by a pirate dynasty that by the early 18th c. was ruled by Tulagi Angria, who preyed both on EIC and Mughal shipping.

In many discussions over the years we have discussed the swords with heavy often concave edged curved blades with Indian style hilts, either the 'tulwar' form or 'khanda' style. While the tulwar style is typically regarded as northern and used by Mughals, Rajputs and Sikhs........the 'khanda' style (Hindu basket hilt) is typically regarded as a Mahratta weapon (though also used by Rajputs).

It does not seem there is any particular agreement or definition of the proper term for these ...tegha, kirach, or the collective 'firangi'.

I am wondering if there are any notions toward, or evidence of, these types of stout blades Indian swords used in naval context, whether by the vessels of the Mahrattas or of course, pirate ships of Indian source.

Though there are numerous discussions on these types of swords of India, there seems to be nothing directed toward the possible maritime use of these.

I'd really appreciate some input, and especially examples of Indian swords (or other edged weapons) which might be considered in these contexts.

[RobT]

Jim Mcdougal,

Since, AFAIK, the basket hilt tulwar form (which I have heard called the Indo/Moslem hilt) is invariably found paired with a rather short blade, I asked essentially same question you are asking. See the current thread, Nepalese Tulwar-hilted Kukri or ??? started by DaveA. It would appear that this style hilt is found with a variety of blade shapes who’s only commonality is their short length. The blade length would be good for maritime use and the basket on the hilt would be handy in close melee as a brass knuckle.

Sincerely,
RobT

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by RobT

Jim Mcdougal,

Since, AFAIK, the basket hilt tulwar form (which I have heard called the Indo/Moslem hilt) is invariably found paired with a rather short blade, I asked essentially same question you are asking. See the current thread, Nepalese Tulwar-hilted Kukri or ??? started by DaveA. It would appear that this style hilt is found with a variety of blade shapes who’s only commonality is their short length. The blade length would be good for maritime use and the basket on the hilt would be handy in close melee as a brass knuckle.

Sincerely,
RobT

Thank you Rob, it does indeed seem the shorter, stout blades would be most useful in close quarters combat as you note. The tulwar hilted kukri is a good example of the perplexing 'mix and match' of hilt forms and blades in the Indian armory.
This has always been a conundrum in the arms collecting community trying to determine which term applies to which weapon, leading to what we have always called 'the name game' in the endless debates.

Good note on the 'basket' used in that manner as a weapon.

Interestingly, in a reference I found, in a note from a seaman aboard one of the Indian vessels involved in conflicts of the period described, he says that, "the English are not bold in the use of the sword". It does seem that in other accounts of crews on many naval and even pirate vessels, the men were in actuality terrible swordsmen and had no particular training in the use of the sword.

While we can speculate that these heavy bladed Indian swords would likely have seen use on these Indian vessels, it would be most interesting to know if there has been any specific study on the weapons they used.

Thank you again for the great perspective!! Im glad Im not the only one who gets piqued by these things!

Best regards
Jim