What language is the writing on the hilt of this sword?

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by ariel

Doesn't the blade have Indian ricasso?
If so, it is likely to be one of the peri-Indian Arabic-based languages.

Now theres an astute observation Ariel!!! I hadnt even noticed that, and that along with Zifir's suggestion of Urdu makes Indian attribution more feasible.
This is clearly a representation of the 'gothic' style military hilts of Great Britain, which I believe were among the many forms of British military swords copied for native regiments during the Raj.
While most 'colonial' type swords were produced in England to be sent to supply regiments, it seems these and most weapons for that purpose had the 'ISD' stamp. The weapons produced or furbished in the subcontract armouries apparantly did not carry this stamp, and there were many units that were essentially privately raised by commercial interests such as railways etc. These were basically police type units.

It would be great to find out what this inscription says!!!

All best regards,
Jim