Tulwar Question

Jim McDougall · 22nd May 2014, 05:53 PM

Hello and welcome to our forum!
Nice example of a Northwest Frontier tulwar, indeed most likely a fighting example and I think your assessment of 18th into 19th is perfectly placed.
The hilt is of pretty much the regularly seen configuration and style of those from Rajasthan and contiguous regions, and the blade is distinctly of Indian manufacture (you will note the prominent ricasso at the hilt on the blade edge).
You have noted your interest in British cavalry sabres, and you could not have found a more fascinating companion piece!!! This very same type of tulwar has often been compellingly linked to the Sikh warriors, though it is of course difficult to say for sure. It is significant to note that this item, and by the look of what appears to be genuine age, would have been contemporary to the wars between British and Sikhs.

It is also interesting to note that many Indian tulwars were fitted with English cavalry blades, most often the M1796 light cavalry sabres, though I have seen them with M1788 as well.

On this blade, of special interest is the triangular dot patterns known as 'tricona' at the upper end of the blade as well as near the tip. While the exact interpretation of the symbolism intended with this is unclear, it is presumed to have certain 'talismanic' properties as they are sometimes seen applied seemingly strategically at key locations on many Indian blades .
This symbol has significant religious value in the major religions as the Trinity, Trimurti and others, and it seems possible that Sikh association could be possible, but far more research needed to determine that.

What you have is a wonderfully seasoned 'old warrior' from probably the northern regions of India, which potentially is imbued with fascinating adventure during the British Raj...a well worthy companion to your British cavalry sabres!

All the very best,
Jim

Kmaddock · 23rd May 2014, 10:58 AM

Hi Jim
I appreciate the welcome to the forum and thank you for both your confirmation and also the extra knowledge.
I will put it with a companion 1796 LC, maybe they met previously in less friendly encounter.
Best regards
Ken

Jim McDougall · 24th May 2014, 03:23 AM

You bet Ken!!!
Sounds like a great pairing, and important to note that after these wars, the Sikhs became one of the most vital warrior groups in many British regiments in India, along with of course, the Gurkhas.

Originally in my early collecting days I focused on British cavalry swords, and became fascinated by the ethnographic weapons of colonial regions, especially India, and always had my weapons together grouped with the campaigns they were in.

Looking forward to hearing more on your collecting and acquisitions!

All the best,
Jim

22nd May 2014, 05:53 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,295	Hello and welcome to our forum! Nice example of a Northwest Frontier tulwar, indeed most likely a fighting example and I think your assessment of 18th into 19th is perfectly placed. The hilt is of pretty much the regularly seen configuration and style of those from Rajasthan and contiguous regions, and the blade is distinctly of Indian manufacture (you will note the prominent ricasso at the hilt on the blade edge). You have noted your interest in British cavalry sabres, and you could not have found a more fascinating companion piece!!! This very same type of tulwar has often been compellingly linked to the Sikh warriors, though it is of course difficult to say for sure. It is significant to note that this item, and by the look of what appears to be genuine age, would have been contemporary to the wars between British and Sikhs. It is also interesting to note that many Indian tulwars were fitted with English cavalry blades, most often the M1796 light cavalry sabres, though I have seen them with M1788 as well. On this blade, of special interest is the triangular dot patterns known as 'tricona' at the upper end of the blade as well as near the tip. While the exact interpretation of the symbolism intended with this is unclear, it is presumed to have certain 'talismanic' properties as they are sometimes seen applied seemingly strategically at key locations on many Indian blades . This symbol has significant religious value in the major religions as the Trinity, Trimurti and others, and it seems possible that Sikh association could be possible, but far more research needed to determine that. What you have is a wonderfully seasoned 'old warrior' from probably the northern regions of India, which potentially is imbued with fascinating adventure during the British Raj...a well worthy companion to your British cavalry sabres! All the very best, Jim

23rd May 2014, 10:58 AM	#2
Kmaddock Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Ireland Posts: 543	Hi Jim I appreciate the welcome to the forum and thank you for both your confirmation and also the extra knowledge. I will put it with a companion 1796 LC, maybe they met previously in less friendly encounter. Best regards Ken

24th May 2014, 03:23 AM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,295	You bet Ken!!! Sounds like a great pairing, and important to note that after these wars, the Sikhs became one of the most vital warrior groups in many British regiments in India, along with of course, the Gurkhas. Originally in my early collecting days I focused on British cavalry swords, and became fascinated by the ethnographic weapons of colonial regions, especially India, and always had my weapons together grouped with the campaigns they were in. Looking forward to hearing more on your collecting and acquisitions! All the best, Jim