Southern India sword?

[kronckew]

just got off the phone with one of my friends whom offered me this sword, he suspects it's 18c or earlier southern india. anyway, it's mine now & will be with me shortly.

does anyone have any suggestions as to what it really is, when where it might be from? thanks in advance for any info.

no details on length/weight etc. yet. grip scales are horn of some sort, look riveted on, small gap between the guard & scale i assume from shrinkage. not sure if the guard is polished or gold plated. probably the former. more info/better photos on arrival...