Indian Rajput Spearhead, Junagarh Fort Armory Bikaner

A fine 18th C. Indian spearhead of interesting and early design. This example is a known type and has an interesting mechanism with two pronged iron flanges below the spearhead which are sturdy but have a springiness to them. The base of the spearhead is decorated with large chiseled floral designs, while the tip of the spearhead is thickened similar to a katar.  The entire spearehead is chiseled from two solid pieces of metal, with the spearhead likely to be wootz, and with the makara head at the base of the spearhead chiseled en suite with the head itself.

This form reminds one of European boar hunting spears which have a toggle to prevent the spear from going all the way through the animal. This double flange would likely have served a similar purpose.

Likely originating from the Rajput kingdoms of North India. An identical example can be found in the Junagarh Fort Armory in Bikaner.

Reference: Junagarh Fort Armory, Bikaner