Sinhala / Sri Lankan Swords?

Jim McDougall · 14th February 2014, 05:28 PM

Excellent entry Barry! Most assuredly there were kingdoms in India ruling parts of Ceylon during various early periods, and that is very much part of the complex and diverse history of this fascinating island. In 'Deraniyagala' (1942) there are a number of swords depicted in plates of line drawings very similar to these you have posted.
It is of course apparent that these swords of the Southern Indian kingdoms were strongly represented in early Sinhalese armouries.

With reference to elements which may have had some representation in the transitional forms which became eventually the kastane, please note the curious langet like extension on the upper sword in the second photo.
This same form occurs in kastane in the quillon configuration of the guard.

14th February 2014, 05:28 PM	#14
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,738	Excellent entry Barry! Most assuredly there were kingdoms in India ruling parts of Ceylon during various early periods, and that is very much part of the complex and diverse history of this fascinating island. In 'Deraniyagala' (1942) there are a number of swords depicted in plates of line drawings very similar to these you have posted. It is of course apparent that these swords of the Southern Indian kingdoms were strongly represented in early Sinhalese armouries. With reference to elements which may have had some representation in the transitional forms which became eventually the kastane, please note the curious langet like extension on the upper sword in the second photo. This same form occurs in kastane in the quillon configuration of the guard.