17th Century Pata for discussion

CourseEight · 10th July 2008, 04:17 PM

Hi all --

I wanted to post my most prized piece in honor of my hundredth post. From what I've read, I believe that it is a late 17th century pata from Mysore or Tanjore. I was hoping that forum members could, in addition to giving their general impressions, help me out a bit with the iconography on the handle. I own a copy of Elgood's Hindu Arms and Ritual, and so I was able to identify some of it, but I am most curious about nature of the dieties(?) along each side. There are 5 in a row, and then a sixth seperated from them, on both sides. It appears they are 6 different people, with the same people being represented on both sides but in different postures. I was wondering if anyone had any guesses as to whether these were the same diety in different incarnations, or if this represented a story being told, or what.

As to what I've identified, I was also hope for confirmation that my interpretation is correct:

On one side of the portion of the handle which holds the blade is a gandabherunda, a double headed bird, this with makara heads like on pg. 176 of Elgood.

On the other side, in addition to a floral motif is a kirtimukha, as described on pgs. 133-134 (puffy cheeks, missing lower jaw, etc.)

On the front triangular portion of the gauntlet is Gajalakshmi as descibed on pg. 245 (seated, flanked by elephants with raised trunks, etc.)

As always all responses are welcome and appreciated,

--Radleigh

10th July 2008, 04:17 PM	#1
CourseEight Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Coral Springs, FL Posts: 222	17th Century Pata for discussion Hi all -- I wanted to post my most prized piece in honor of my hundredth post. From what I've read, I believe that it is a late 17th century pata from Mysore or Tanjore. I was hoping that forum members could, in addition to giving their general impressions, help me out a bit with the iconography on the handle. I own a copy of Elgood's Hindu Arms and Ritual, and so I was able to identify some of it, but I am most curious about nature of the dieties(?) along each side. There are 5 in a row, and then a sixth seperated from them, on both sides. It appears they are 6 different people, with the same people being represented on both sides but in different postures. I was wondering if anyone had any guesses as to whether these were the same diety in different incarnations, or if this represented a story being told, or what. As to what I've identified, I was also hope for confirmation that my interpretation is correct: On one side of the portion of the handle which holds the blade is a gandabherunda, a double headed bird, this with makara heads like on pg. 176 of Elgood. On the other side, in addition to a floral motif is a kirtimukha, as described on pgs. 133-134 (puffy cheeks, missing lower jaw, etc.) On the front triangular portion of the gauntlet is Gajalakshmi as descibed on pg. 245 (seated, flanked by elephants with raised trunks, etc.) As always all responses are welcome and appreciated, --Radleigh Attached Images