Sindhi Tegha (Talpur Dynasty)
Origin: India (Sindh Region)
Date: late 18th century - early 19th century hilt / 17th century blade
Size: 85cm
Materials: Silver, steel, wood, leather and white copper
Reference: TSWSIT
Status: RESERVED
A Rare Silver Inlay Tegha from Sindh
THE TEGHA
The Tegha is a type of Indian sword which is broad and large, often referred to as an ‘executioners sword’ due to its proportions and use. The blade is usually slightly curved towards the end. The blades for practical Tegha’s, such as this one, are not covered in koftgari.
THIS EXAMPLE
An extremely impressive Tegha, of substantial size. The hilt is beautifully decorated in true silver inlay with floral motifs throughout. The silver work is expertly done and is preserved in very good condition, 90% in tact. The silver work is inlaid, a difficult process to execute due to the labour intensive work, hence; there are not many hilts produced of this standard. The disc pommel is deep dished with a domed pommel, true to the Sindhi hilt form. Sindh arms and armour are known for being of superior quality:
"Sindh was always celebrated for its arms, which were very superior to anything fabricated in India“ - Edward Archer Langley, 1860
"The arms of Sindh are very superior to those of most parts of India” -Captain Postans, 1843
During the period of this sword, Sindh was ruled by the Talpur Dynasty who were known to accumulate swords of the highest quality. "The Ameers have agents in Persia, turkey, and Palestine, for the purchase of swords and gun-barrels, and they possess a more valuable collection of these articles than is probably to be met with in any other part of the world." -James Burnes, 1839
The large fighting steel blade is of true Tega form with a deeply curved wide blade and three long fullers covering the length of the blade. The blade is stamped in two places, with the makers stamp possibly reading ‘Ali’. The steel blade is comparable to other 17th century blades that were scarce to find - of great quality - with a thick spine. The blade is original to the hilt.
The Tega comes with an expertly new made leather over wood scabbard with two chapes.
CONCLUSION
Overall this is a very impressive Tegha from Sindh, with fine silver inlay and a fighting blade. A highly collectible sword.
