# Southern Indian Deccan Tribal Tabar Axe

Price: $1,900.00 · Region: India · Type: Armor

A classic example of a rare type of Indian axe of a known type that can be attributed to south India, possibly Tanjore or Mysore. The Bikaner Armory has a number of similarly shaped axes, with the distinctive down swept blade. The blade of this example of fine large size at over 7" in length is inlaid with brass or copper decoration and made of finely chiseled iron.

  


This example has a finely forged and sculptural axehead inlaid with brass decoration. The counter spike is formed with a scaled form. The handle is well made of a reddish wood mounted with brass rosettes and an iron reinforcing rod.

  


In addition, to these South Indian origins, such axe are associated with the tribal people of South India as well.  South India's tribal communities, including groups such as the Toda, Irula, Soliga, Kuruba, and Koya, have a rich and diverse cultural heritage deeply rooted in the region’s forests, hills, and plains. These tribes have historically interacted with dominant empires like the Mughals, Rajputs, and Hindu kingdoms, contributing to the tapestry of Indian history while often resisting domination and retaining their cultural autonomy.

  


Tribal societies in South India traditionally lived in semi-isolated regions, relying on subsistence agriculture, hunting, and forest produce. The expansion of Mughal and Hindu empires into South India brought these communities into contact with centralized powers. While some tribes assimilated and served as auxiliary forces or forest guides for these empires, others resisted, using guerrilla tactics and knowledge of their terrain to defend their lands.

  


The Koya and Gond tribes, for instance, were known to engage in armed resistance against Mughal incursions into the Deccan Plateau. Similarly, the Kuruba tribe of Karnataka, with their pastoral and warrior traditions, occasionally allied with Hindu kingdoms like Vijayanagara to safeguard mutual interests.