Early Indian Hindu Khanda Sword

A rare early Indian sword mounted with a classic and finely formed Hindu khanda hilt, likley of Mahrattan origin. In overall shape and form the sword displays the classic 17th through 19th C. Hindu khanda shape and form with a few important distinction that indicate this was a prestige sword, and likely dating to the earlier period.

The hilt displays a fine level of detail and quality, and includes overlaid silver sheet, and finely pierced and chiseled decoration throughout. The crossguard and d-guard both have borders of finely pierced flowers, while the base of the khanda hilt has a flame shaped design, indicative of a protecting flame.

The blade is of the classic shape and form, but distinct in its heavy fighting weight, and instead of the more common bracing found on later khandas, of the 19th century, the blade of this example is chiseled with a distinct set of five fullers terminating in a circular depression, giving it a pleasing sculptural quality. The blade is also formed of layered steel, or damascus steel, with the pattern visible throughout. The very terminus of the blade also has a sharpened nipple end, which is found of a series of distinctive khanda blades.

While it is difficult to precisely locate this khanda, the overall quality, distinctive design elements, and weight indicate that it was likely wielded by a Rajput warrior. The use of heavy weapons to show off the prowess of their warrior class was noted by Elgood in "Rajput Arms and Armor" and the distinctive design features pre-date the period when khandas began to display uniformity and distinctive design, in the late 18th through early 19th centuries.

A pata, or gauntlet sword, in the Royal Armorry Leeds, UK (See Accession No. XXVIS.182), also displays a very similar distinctive pierced floral decoration, and is dated to circa 1700, and attributed to the Mahrattas.