How old is the kora, as a type?

[Jim McDougall]

It would seem we have established that the kora existed in basically the same form we see in most collected examples with the 'rondel' type hilt (simple tubular grip and disc at pommel and guard) as early as c.1560 by the example in the Nepali Museum. While that weapon seems well provenanced, I remain reserved on it as an example to set the earliest examples of this form.
The Danish examples, numbering 7 koras from 1674 and 8 by 1689, seem to offer a bit more established target in dating the form, however I found it most intriguing to determine how these most esoteric swords might have ended up in Denmark.

While the East India trading of England, Netherlands, France and Portugal were well established in India, lesser known is the activity of Denmark there. A trade factory for Denmark was established at Trankebar in 1620, which is located far south near Tanjore in Madras. The trade activity of Denmark met with considerable difficulty and conflict with Mughals and other powers trade networks. While it would seem that the location of the Danish post on the southern part of India would have little to do with the extremely northern and remote region of Nepal, there are some possibilities that might explain.

In Tamralipti in the Ganges basin, maritime trade extended south as far as Ceylon, and to SE Asia and Indonesia to the East. It seems plausible that items such as koras, might have found thier way to such trade (as Jens has noted, at least one example was used by an executioner in Ceylon). It is known that there was considerable privateering activity by the Danes from about 1640's into the 1670's in the Bay of Bengal. Possibly these weapons may have been acquired in these instances, finding their way as interesting and exotic examples back to Denmark?

Returning to the original question on the earliest date of the kora as a sword form, it seems that mid 17th century may be reliable enough as per the Danish provenanced examples, and pending more research on the Nepali Museum example we may be able to push to mid 16th century. While the focus is of course trying to find the date or period, considering the regional development and ancestry is necessary to establishing chronology of the form if possible.

I rather doubt that the kora as a form developed in Nepal without influence from other regions, much as the kukri reflects influences from the kopis with its widely diffused ancestry. It would seem likely that it did derive from the Hindu weapon forms from the Deccan via Bengal, as the early iconographic profiles suggest. I am unaware of an edged weapon that may have existed in Nepal prior to the kora that might have led to this form. Since Nepal was primarily Mongolian ethnically from early times, probably earlier edged weapons would have reflected those influences. The kukri seems to have entered the Nepali sphere via Northern India diffusion carrying the forward angled blade form associated with the ancient kopis.

The Tibetan versions of the kora, I believe are typically longer, thinner blades, although the form overall is essentially the same. In John's grouping of koras shown on this thread, he notes one of these as from Bhutan. It seems that it is incredibly difficult to discern Tibetan from Bhutanese weapons, and for purposes here they are essentially the same grouping.
In any case, I am inclined to consider that the Tibetan examples are longer and narrower as they may have been intended primarily as combat weapons, while Nepali examples are often ceremonial/sacrificial and shorter (although clearly they found occasion for combat as well, especially earlier examples).
It would seem that the kora may have developed in Tibet via tribal interaction from Nepal, and that became the northernmost extent of the form.

These are clearly my own speculations, as always pending further research, and I look forward to corrections and opposing ideas. I know I've learned a lot from what has been posted thus far on this thread, and I'd really like to see us get further on researching these intriguing swords!

All best regards,
Jim

[Jens Nordlunde]

Hi John,

It is a nice collection of koras you show, and the representation of so many different types is very impressive. Thanks for joining and thanks for showing them.

I agree with you and Jim, that the question of, how old the kora is as a type, and from where it origins is very speculative with the few pieces of information available at the moment, but I found it interesting that it surfaced so far south than Orissa/Deccan/Bengal, and not from one, but from several sources. If we will ever come any further in looking for its origin I don’t know, but one thing is clear, we won’t come any further if we don’t try to look – it may be in vain, but if it is, then we have gotten much wiser, walking the road paved with very big stones and many theories.

[B.I]

i completely agree with jens. it is good to state the information already known and referenced, but it is a shame that discussions tend to end there. there is much to be learnt and many questions that have never asked. there is no easy answer, nor photographic proof. there is little mention, if any, in early (pre17thC) accounts, although this avenue is not yet closed. so, iconography must play an important part, no matter how loose or speculative. we have all read what little is known, and so now is the time to 'speculate' further.
jens mentioned a potential image in an 11thC sculpture and i showed a potential candidate in a 6thC sculpture. neither are proof of any kind, but surely both warrant a discussion. there is a very strong chance, all published authors were unaware of either pieces, so surely we should attempt to pick up where they left off, and not just repeat what they have said.

[Jens Nordlunde]

It is very true what BI writes. There are so many questions to ask – but few to answer them, if any at all – so fellow forumites, get out of the easy chair and start moving. Go back to mail #2 and have a close look. It’s from the 6th century. In the start I was sceptical, I think I have changed my mind as to what it is, now I think it could very well be an early kora. The early types would not necessarily have had the tip bent like they have on the later types, but the whole idea of the kora, to have the broad tip for extra striking power when used is there. If this is a kora, it is from the 6th century, and in the span of time some changes would have been made, so it could very well be that this is one of the first of it’s type. If this is so, and we are guessing, what could/would the even earlier ‘kora’ have looked like?

This is to move too fast, I know, we should at least have established that this is a kora type, but nothing wrong trying to be ahead of the others

[Jim McDougall]

Beautifully said Jens and Brian!! Its up to us to keep looking and not leaving those stones unturned, no matter how big or small

In looking into the ethnic history of Nepal, it does seem that the aboriginal population was primarily descended from early Mongolian ethnicity and with that we may presume weaponry of those tribal sources. However, knowing that Mongol warriors typically used evolving forms of sabre, it is interesting that these type weapons are not found among Nepalese armouries. Possibly the Mongolians who came there became sedentary and tools and implements more agrarian became predominant. The subsequent weaponry is presumed to have reflected that of its Indian suzereigns through medieval times and there is a strong element of leaf bladed Buddhist Tantric forms.Later with the expansion of the Mughal Empire there was northward movement of Rajputs and Brahmins who entered the low border regions of Nepal, eventually becoming the Gorkhalis (Gurkhas). This tribal entity became dominant in Nepal and centered in the Kathmandu regions. As these ethnic groups assimilated into the sedentary population of Mongolian stock, possibly the warrior traditions of the Rajputs joined with sacrificial and religious heritage of the Brahmans leading to a proclivity toward 'chopping' type weapons. Hindu weapons such as the ram dao seem to have diffused from Bengal into Nepal and Assam and were well established in use in sacrificial ceremony to Kali. It seems that the kora was used to perform the same rites as the ram dao, but carried the stylistic form of earlier Hindu weapons seen in iconography as described. Many of these weapons evolved into the sacrificial weapons of the Dravidian sphere in the 'Nayar temple swords' The markings of the eye of Kali seen on many ram dao are of course seen on the blades of the kora.

It does seem that sacrificial or ceremonial weapons do derive from the established combative type weapons, although they become more elaborate and embellished as their votive or ceremonial use becomes more symbolic.
Quite possibly the weapon forms established by Hindu warriors of the Deccan and represented iconographically became influential in establishing the sickle or chopping form weapons such as the kukri and kora. The forward angled blade with kopis ancestry is represented in degree in Rajput or northern Indian parlance in the sosun pattah as well as in Hindu versions of these swords. While early Nepalese weaponry as noted, probably was of similar forms seen in India as suggested by Rawson, the relative isolation of Nepal allowed the developed distinctive forms of the kora and kukri that have become established as national indiginous weapons.

While this is simply my own perspective, it is clearly speculative and using data from secondary sources. Sound conclusions can only be drawn from established archaeological, iconographic or reliably provenanced material, which may be difficult if not impossible to secure.

Best regards,
Jim

[spiral]

Nice bunch of kora John! reminds me of Nepal!

I understand your reservations about museam provinance of famous personages weapons Jim, & looked for any evidence in the museam of this happening regarding kukris which , I am fairly familar with.

Many of the weapons were inscribed with names, nickames etc. of the owners in a manner that probably the most educated & skilfull kami {kukri & kora maker{Blacksmith} in modern Nepal though was generaly extremely well & confidently done in many individual work styles that would be hard to duplicate today.

I couldnt find any descrepancies in likley dates on the kukri designs for at leat the last 200 years. The ones older than that did appear to be generaly design predecesors in a manner that seemed logical {although obviously that is not proof of anything!} & therfore I fully see your point.

Many of the tribes groups in Nepal {including the Chetri warrior class, the Brahmins & of course the Newari} are of heavy Indian as well as Mongolian linage.

According to the museam curators, ex Gurkha historians{ educated men of very senior rank.} etc.}, arms dealers,collectors & even ill educated villagers we spoke to the kora was the main battle weapon of the fighting man in Nepal until superseded by firearms. {Although the higher caste warriers & officers would often use tulwar or Khandra.}

The piles of kora in the museams & sitting rusting away in the villages shacks & old military stores is mind boggoling, & seems to confirm that military use was there primary use although in the last century they as you say are just used at Dashien .{we saw hundreds of them, 90% rusted beyond belief.{So sad when on a few you spot the occasional old gold & silver inlayed ornate carving.{& yes I know the differance between brass & gold. }}

Fighting kora in Nepal come in all shapes & sizes, blades from 16 in. to 3ft bieng common. 2ft to 30 in, are certanly the commonest though.

Some exceptional museam pieces are nearer 4ft.

Heres a photo of Bag Bharirav temple in Kirtipur that was eventualy sacked by the Gurkhas in 1769 with many of the weapons siezed from the Kathmando defenders.{the Gorkhas had already siezed Kathamando proper by that time.}nailed around the sides at a hieght of probably around 40 ft.

The 90lb or so of ears & noses that they cut of the still living defenders are no longer visible though! {They spared the nose cutting of any man who could play the flute.}

The best of the weapons were of course siezed & as is the way in Nepal locked away until one of the the Palace armourys was opened, & the weapons are now displayed in the National museam.

A Fascinating thread this one! Although I find the Mentioning of the various countrys rather inprescise when one considers how the tribes & peoples of Nepal, India, Tibet & Bhutan have moved from one country to another & interbreed both in times of war & peace {not to mention the slavery trade that was legal in Nepal until around 1930} & that parts of India were once Nepal & the Nepalis invaded Tibet at least 3 times, & that the vallys of Nepal have been a genetic melting pot for many generations. {I guess refugees frow war & religious persecution have always ran to the hills!{if one can call the himalayas hills!}

I wonder if further study of Indian & Nepali temples & art work could provide us more history of the kora particularily the earlier examples.

Spiral

photos. copywrite Spiral JRS 2005.

Do not use without accreditation.

[Jens Nordlunde]

Hi Spiral,

Nice kora display you show.

I just had a mail from the curator of the Ethnological Department at the National Museum in Copenhagen, answering my earlier mail to the museum.

‘The museum had seven kora’s at the inventory in1674 and eight at the inventory in 1689. At present the museum has two kora’s, as one was given to the crown prince in 1845, two has been identified as being in private collections, and three has vanished into thin air so to say – many years ago.

Besides the kora’s, the museum has two khanda’s which entered the Kunstkammer in 1739, and one of these is mounted with a Danish blade, marked with the mark of king Christian V – why this is so is unknown’.

I was advised to contact the Armoury Museum in Copenhagen about the trade blades, which I will do.

[spiral]

Thankyou Jens!

I wish I had actualy managed to pick up some good Koras for myself In Nepal, as well as Kukris. Maybe if there is a next time?

I would be interested to hear what your military museam say about the trade blades.

Spiral

[Ian]

Originally Posted by spiral

... Heres a photo of Bag Bharirav temple in Kirtipur that was eventualy sacked by the Gurkhas in 1769 with many of the weapons siezed from the Kathmando defenders.{the Gorkhas had already siezed Kathamando proper by that time.}nailed around the sides at a hieght of probably around 40 ft.

Spiral:

Have the weapons shown in the picture of the temple been exposed to the elements in the manner shown since 1769? If so, they are remarkably well preserved for such treatment.

Ian.

[B.I]

just when you thought it was all over........
i thought i would insert this info in an old thread, rather than its own thread. the information is interesting, but not worthy enough to stand alone.
this miniature has never been published, and is in a private collection. it is believed to be 17thC, and it is moghul. but, it seems to have a kora in it? i have never seen a kora in a miniature, and especially not an moghul one.

[Jens Nordlunde]

I find this very interesting, especially as the kora is unsheated while all the other swords are sheated.