Sinhala / Sri Lankan Swords?

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Absolutely outstanding material presented here everybody, and really exciting to see complete perspective on all these historical details. I had realized the history of the kastane was complex, but never the dimension with all of this fantastic history.
Prasanna, thank you so much for the information on the patissa as well as for the courteous and extremely informative replies.

Mark, thank you for the outstanding link, which reveals the apparantly long venerated lion as a symbolic figure in the island of Sri Lanka. It seems that archaeological evidence dramatically predates the development of the hilt of the kastane (thank you Prasanna also for the explanation of the 'h') and that its motif would reflect that Sinhalese tradition. The character of the zoomorphic head on the kastane is admittedly grotesque in nature, which would easily lead to varying perception to those outside their cultural sphere. I must admit that I have often had difficulty in recognizing and identifying makara, yali, and serapendiya alone in these contexts, so very much appreciate the explanations.

If I am understanding correctly, these creatures are typically in the nature of subordinate stature in these cultural holdings rather than having deities, and the lion is more of regal nature. It would seem that the hilt pommel would be in a paramount position with which a lion would be in accord.

Also, if I am understanding correctly, the Kandyan kingdom remained autonomous during colonial ventures there of the Portuguese, Dutch and British. They had the Royal workshops fashioning various weapons for thier courts and influential figures for some time.
I wonder if they made blades for swords, or used blades acquired from either trade or colonial entities. It seems that the production of the fine steel produced there ended largely around 13th century? Were the Arabs there colonially producing blades for weapons using the steel produced, or was that production completely defunct?

It seems that the entry of European blades into use for the now courtly type kastane must have been as discussed in 18th century, and the now elaborately hilted versions would have been less than combat worthy.
If the Kandyan kingdom remained autonomous, thier wearing of the kastane does not seem to me likely to be proscribed, and as status symbols of the type often worn by merchants and high ranking officials, court swords would seem regular accoutrements.

I just wanted to add my thoughts in this interesting discussion with probably more questions than useful observations, but its great to have such well faceted material to review in developing understanding on these.

Thank you guys!

Jim

Salaams Jim ~ Previous Forum excursions into the world of Kastane barely got off the ground, however, I think this time it is fully launched and looking very good. What is especially useful is having a forumite on the ground in Sri Lanka and I hope the thread can develop with that in support. From my side I started delving into Kastane a year or two ago but could make little headway ~ not surprisingly considering the lack of fine detail and the clouding of the issue caused by belly dancer swords/ 3 separate invaders and of course the difficulty of being off the turf... so to speak.

My point of view is clear considering the more than 20 points noted earlier (see # 55) supporting the Makara as the Kastane hilt (They are vital points proving the historical, cultural background and the absolute and overwhelming evidence of the Makara style of other Deities pouring forth onto the hilt.)

Simply put~ The Lion doesn't have other deities or beasts emanating from its mouth. Lions swallow things! they don't vomit up deities... The Makara does. In the case of the spewed out other mini Makara flowing onto the cross guard and lower knuckle guard they can be seen with peacock tails in the traditional Makara way. The little face on the knuckle guard is probably the half crocodile half human form, once again, absolutely Makara linked. (see # 56 first photo by fernando and compare it with the little face on #57 second picture by me) and of course view in #56 the other monsters that have poured forth ~

The actual head of the hilt is a direct likeness of the Makara in all respects and is of the famous mythical sea creature in all its glory.

The lion whilst it is part of the cultural and traditional history of Sri Lanka is not the beast from which the Kastana hilt is designed, though, it may have other, poignant, separate historical issues attached to it ~ as does the Elephant and the Sun and Moon theme...etc etc but it (the Lion) has no bearing at all upon the Kastane hilt.

It may seem pedantic to some, irksome to others and totally bewildering to many but the point needs clarification because in researching in the timezone of the 15th, 16th and 17th Century Sri Lanka; looking at Makara influence is a whole lot different to the detective work on Lions and the result will be skewered and off track if we make a mistake on this important identity conundrum.

I therefor submit that the Kastane Hilt is of Makara design.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams Note to Forum~ For the first time I observe an authoritative note on the appearance of the Kastane (Kastahane) with a timeline.

From the web I submit the following;

Quote ''Sinhala Weapons and Armor: Adaptation in Response to European Style Warfare Weerakkody P1 and Nanayakkara A 2

The study examines the Weapons and Armor used by respectively the Sinhalese andthe Portuguese forces during the 16th and 17th
Centuries. The paper posits that the weapons of both combatants evolved in response to each other taking into account also developments abroad. The study is primarily based on observation and comparison of specimens in museums, private collections and illustrations from temple art, contemporary European art and literature.

By the time Portuguese arrived in Sri Lanka the European armies had phased out the heavy armor used by the knights and were beginning to adopt the somewhat lighter“ cuirassier” armor which was used in Sri Lanka at the earlier part of the Portuguese wars.

With the arrival of the Portuguese the Sinhala armies were faced with a heavier armored opponent who increasingly relied more on the newly emerging firearms of the period. The emergence of hand held fire arms during the early 16th century was changing the face of warfare through out the world. The adaptation of the gun by the Sinhalese and their proficiency in both use and manufacture of firearms forced the Europeans to re-adopt and played a role in the demise of heavy armor in the battlefield.

(It is more probable that the Sinhalese first adopted the gun from the Arabs than the Europeans. It is likely that there were more than one school of gun manufacture in Sri Lanka.)

The existence of molded shaped Sinhala spearheads with post apical grooving and arrow points with hardened tips suggest design adaptations which are more suited to the function as armor piercing weapons. The need for such weapons arose out the use of heavy armor during the 16th century and it is highly probable that these adaptations originated during this period.

Several new weapons including the “Patisthana” spear, “Kasthana” sword “Ath-thuwakku/Bondikula hand guns and the “Kodithuwakku” Grass hopper canon was added to the Sinhala armory during this era.

The Study also looks at the evidence for the use of body armor by the Sinhalese". Unquote.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Jim McDougall]

Excellent, references here seem to be addressing the period of the Sinhalese-Portuguese wars of 1520-21, and with the mention of kasthana sword. It does seem though that these accounts are based on 17th century writers material so we cannot be sure if the term was used contemporarily or whether it had been in place that early.
It still seems the lionhead kastane's earliest terminus ante quem remains set with the example in Tokyo acquired in 1622 embassy. Dereniyagala (1942) seems to be off in his estimation of its appearance, but is accurate in noting the courtly rather than combat effective nature of these; "...in 18th century when the curved, scimitar blade with lions head comes into fashion.
The development of the ceremonial sword of rank soon unfitted it for fighting purposes as the elaborate crest to the lion headed hilt comes into uncomfortable contact with the heel of the users hand or wrist while it is also signoficant that swords so ornamented generally appear too small for war, unlike the larger ones which have no crests" (p.113).

Kandy remained independant, while Kotte in the southwest had been in degree in league wth the Portuguese in trade until disagreements led to wars and unrest. As I understand the Dutch aligned with the King of Kandy around 1636, and by 1658 the Portuguese had left Ceylon. Naturally these colonial circumstances are described briefly and only to note presence and period.

Though the Dutch regal lion became a heraldic symbol after the Union of Utrecht in 1574, and was certainly possible as influence, I remain convinced however that the lion was well emplaced symbolically in Ceylon from quite early times, the 5th century Sigiriya (lion rock citadel) as one instance.

The French traveller Pyrad de Lavel (1605) expressed unqualified admiration of Sri Lankan workmanship in metals, and especially in the fabrication and ornamentation of arms.
Deraniyagala (op.cit.p.99) notes, "...the Dutch plan of the Royal Palace at Kandy in 1765 shows armouries for different types of weapons, and quarters for the armourers, proves the great attention paid to weapons by Sinhala royalty", further noting the auspicious placement of lions among others as decoration.
This author (p.110) describing the pihaya kattha "...in the more primitive types the pommel is unadorned, in others it is a lions head, while in the final form it is a floral scroll issuing from the lions mouth".

If I interpret these references correctly, it would seem that the Kandy workshops were long established, as noted in the Dutch observation of 1765.It would seem that the lions head was likely present on the early forms of pihaya kattha which was more an accoutrement than of course fighting weapon. We know that the kastane is presumed in form by c.1620 and the term kasthane in use for it or some type of sword c.1605. By the 18th century it had become regarded as a courtly sword ,though the smaller hanger type blade on the 1622 example in Japan and hilt suggests earlier.
The numerous examples of kastane with Dutch VOC blades suggest the circumstances in which Kandy existed within the Dutch colony in the 18th century. Many of these blades are dated, mostly 1760s it seems. The lionhead hilt would seem to have been adopted from its presence on the smaller weapons worn in courtly and status oriented examples and to the hanger blade court swords at around beginning of 17th century.

[Prasanna Weerakkody]

It is difficult to locate the earliest records of the true Kasthana Swords. but my personal belief is that it is earlier than presumed. I am including an image of a Kasthana presented by Prince Tikiri leading the Sinhala army (at age 16); Who Later became King Rajasinghe I to the Arachchi of the Korathota “Angam” fighters. The Korathota warriors mounted a flanking attack on the Portuguese in the major battle in the Fields of Mulleriyawela in 1559. This Battle was a decisive Battle with one of the worst defeats to the Portuguese with near annihilation of its troops. The Sword still survives in the Family as a heirloom. and if this reference is accepted this will push the earliest record of the Kasthana to mid 16th Century. There are other similar records as well. As I mentioned before there is a proper Kasthana sword in the Colombo Museum that is believed to be of King Buwanekabahu I of Yapahuwa Kingdom which predates the Kotte and Sithawaka Kingdoms. (Though I am not convinced of the authenticity of this piece based on the portrayal of design elements which point to a later date.)

And Thank you Balushi for including the summery of my Presentation to the workshop on the “Portuguese Encounter” held in 2005.

Best regards.

[kai]

Hello Prasanna,

Thanks for posting that beauty! Any chance to obtain permission to post more pics of this sword (possibly in a seperate thread)?

It looks like the hilt is carved from wood (or horn?) with only a few metal highlights - very nice!

In a tropical climate, this state of preservation would be exceptional for an over 450y old pommel, even considering it being a heirloom piece!

Regards,
Kai

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Prasanna Weerakkody

It is difficult to locate the earliest records of the true Kasthana Swords. but my personal belief is that it is earlier than presumed. I am including an image of a Kasthana presented by Prince Tikiri leading the Sinhala army (at age 16); Who Later became King Rajasinghe I to the Arachchi of the Korathota “Angam” fighters. The Korathota warriors mounted a flanking attack on the Portuguese in the major battle in the Fields of Mulleriyawela in 1559. This Battle was a decisive Battle with one of the worst defeats to the Portuguese with near annihilation of its troops. The Sword still survives in the Family as a heirloom. and if this reference is accepted this will push the earliest record of the Kasthana to mid 16th Century. There are other similar records as well. As I mentioned before there is a proper Kasthana sword in the Colombo Museum that is believed to be of King Buwanekabahu I of Yapahuwa Kingdom which predates the Kotte and Sithawaka Kingdoms. (Though I am not convinced of the authenticity of this piece based on the portrayal of design elements which point to a later date.)

And Thank you Balushi for including the summery of my Presentation to the workshop on the “Portuguese Encounter” held in 2005.

Best regards.

Salaams Prasanna Weerakkody~ Always a pleasure to quote a decent reference... You refer to Quote ''Sinhala Weapons and Armor: Adaptation in Response to European Style Warfare Weerakkody P1 and Nanayakkara A 2 Unquote.

I also viewed your artwork website and clearly you have a vast interest in the subject. I absolutely agree that we should be looking at pre Portuguese timeline for the origin of the Kastane. The point being (as I see it) that Sri Lankan Kingdoms were not likely to adopt a foreign inspired weapon with a Sri Lankan style to it. It simply doesn't add up. Why would they do this if there was such conflict between the two?(Generally they hated the Portuguese invaders) I think the Kastana is a purely Sri Lankan invention though I disagree with the hilt design origin. I think it is from The Makara.
Where the Forum wins, however, is in having a specialist in Sri Lanka so that we may build a clearer picture of this swords history.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams~ Pictorial note to Library.
See http://www.luxury-thailand-travel.com/makara.html

Pictures below showing;
1. The Kastane Hilt.
2. A Buddhist Temple in Thailand showing " Makara." Please note the neck detail.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[fernando]

Hi Jim,
Good catch on the Pyrard de Laval quotation. Actually a more complete approach may be read in his integral work, where he says:

These Chingalas are very propper for mechanical arts and they work very subtly and delicately in gold, silver, iron and steel, with great perfection, in ivory and other materials. They fabricate all sort of arms, lique arquebuses, swords, pikes and bucklers, which are the more well made and esteemed in all India... I never thought they would be so exquisite in well fabricating arquebuses and other arms, elaborated and ornated, which are the nicest made around here.

We also know that, as probably already mentioned here, the city of Colombo specialized in fine matchlock muskets, which were exported to several other islands.

Attached we see pictures of three matchlock muskets ...
The first one a Portuguese-Shingalese example, still made in the XVI century, with a Portuguese barrel. Total length 170 cms.
The second one Shingalese example of great dimensions (195 cms). Dated XVII-XVIII century, it follows in all the model introduced by the Portuguese in 1505.
The third one (sorry the poor pictures) a fine Shingalese example from the XVIII century, with its typical bifurcated butt stock.

(Rainer Daehnhardt collection).

.