THREE INDIAN LEATHER SHIELDS,RAJASTHAN

[mrcjgscott]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

An excellent question Chris!
Actually the 'Rajasthani' designation is a bit cavalier in my view, when attempting to classify these outstanding examples of Indian 'dhal' (shield).
However, in degree in does work as this quite large area of the Indian subcontinent probably did account for good proportion of these as well as many forms of arms and armour.

I believe the assumption might have been set by the dhal with the distinctive crescent above the four bosses. This device is typically representative of the Chandravanshi clan of Rajputs ( E.Jaiwent Paul, p121) which were one of the major lineages of these warrior tribes. The reference to Rajputs typically presumes Rajasthan, though they were in power in other regions outside that geographic designation.

The other examples are typical of a wide range of areas as well, and the one which is purely hide without other adornment except the four bosses resembles one shown in "Oriental Armour" (Robinson, plate XXI, D) as Mahratta 18th c. It should be noted that the 'Mahratta' designation also could be broadly interpreted to the Maratha castes and Empire (1674-1820) which also extended into Rajasthani regions.

The point is that it is very difficult to classify Indian arms by region, much as by specific period, however these seem with good age and character. The Rajput example shows interesting integrity with what appears a working life replacement of one of the radiating backs on one of the bosses which is smaller than the others.

Excellent examples, and I would love to see them amidst a array of tulwars and other Indian arms!

Hello Jim,

Many thanks indeed for another detailed response. The muddy waters become a little clearer each day.

The information about the crescent moon is most useful, as it is a symbol I see with some frequency on such shields, and of course on many kukri. The "Rajput connection" is obviously a very significant one!

The condition of the pieces is very pleasing, given their apparent age, I shall have to try and hunt out a good one for myself (let alone three!)

Kind regards,

Chris

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by mrcjgscott

Hello Jim,

Many thanks indeed for another detailed response. The muddy waters become a little clearer each day.

The information about the crescent moon is most useful, as it is a symbol I see with some frequency on such shields, and of course on many kukri. The "Rajput connection" is obviously a very significant one!

The condition of the pieces is very pleasing, given their apparent age, I shall have to try and hunt out a good one for myself (let alone three!)

Kind regards,

Chris

You are most welcome Chris!
The muddy waters analogy is well understood, as someone who has splashed around in them for more decades than can be defined I still am trying to learn. The pure joy of discussions here is learning and sharing so we can learn together.
Your note on the occurrence of these crescents on kukri in many cases is of course well placed with the Rajput heritage in Nepal, and I had entirely forgotten that, as also noted by Bandook.

Bandook, thank you as well for the response to my post, very much my pleasure!

[BANDOOK]

THANKS CHIRS AND THANKS JIM,AM POSTING ANOTHER SHIELD OF MINE WHICH I HAD POSTED FEW MONTHS BACK,JUST AS PART OF THIS DISCUSSION,CHEERS

[rickystl]

Hi Bandook.
Another nice shield. So the count is now four you have ?
Thanks so much for the pics. Especially the first artist's rendition and the last photo showing the Torador matchlocks. I'll add those to my library. Very cool.
The second photo down looks like he is holding a British Brunswick Rifle.

I'll add here my one and only Dhal shield that I originally posted about three years ago. I bought this because it had only the slightest bend. No cuts or scrapes and only a couple small bruises. It looks as though the outer surface had some gold wash originally in some type of pattern. One ring is missing, but the hand pad and two small pieces of leather grip remain.
The interesting feature is the very plain, hand hammered bosses. Doesn't seem to match the rest of the quality of the shield. But they are old and appear original to the shield.

Again, thanks for the potos.
Rick.