Gold Deccani Sword

Origin: Deccan

Date: late 18th century

Length: 99cm

Materials: Iron, steel, gold, wood and velvet

Reference: TSWDTS

An exceptional and monumental example of a Tulwar from the Deccan region.

THIS EXAMPLE

The hilt of this sword is decorated with a thick gold overlay, rather than the usual thin gold koftgari. The Gold work is slightly raised and thick to touch - which shows that the artist utilised a vast amount of gold. The Gold work is consistent and done in the form of leaves/petals to cover the entire hilt. The gold leaves fill the blackened surface and provide a striking aethetic and contrast which gives the hilt an extra presence. Complete with its knuckle-guard with a makara (mythical animal). The original Nath (lanyard) ring is also intact and covered in gold - fitted onto the unique curving pommel spike. A hilt of this size is seen as a substantial size, and the preservation of the gold koftgari (over 95% intact). The form of the hilt and the knuckle-guard indicates that this hilt is from the Deccan region, a hilt that is becoming scarce on the market to obtain and very difficult to collect. 

The blade is of a ‘Sirohi’ type with a thick spine. The blade spine is thick and widens towards the tip of the blade and proves to be a true fighting blade of large proportions and solid build. The blade clearly exhibits a good state of preservation and is a fine specimen. If the blade is cleaned, polished and etched, it would most likely prove to be of Wootz. However, we have left in its original historical state. This blade is larger than usual and is definitely a fighting sword. 

COMPARABLE EXAMPLES

There is a some what similar example in the Royal Armouries - Object Number:XXVIS.205. This particular sword was possibly for one of the Nizams of Hyderabad and dated (1771-1799). The type of floral design is of course different but the layout and style seems to be similar in inspiration. The style of the actual hilt is near identical. These types of ‘Deccani’ hilts are very hard to find, especially when preserved to this condition. 

A sword with an identical hilt, but in silver, was exhibited in Asian Arms and Armour and Associated objects, page 14 and 15. This example published by Runjeet exhibits the same design but in silver. Gold was more prestigious and preferred by warriors - and now collectors. Its likely that our gold example is more rare as some swords in gold are more scarce and hard to obtain than those in silver. An example of this is the Sindhi swords. Many come in silver, but gold is very scarce. Our gold hilt example if the only of its kind we have seen on the open market. 

CONCLUSION

All in all, this is a very nice and rare example, complete with a later period-matching scabbard. A hilt of this quality and design is extremely rare and the quality of the hilt and blade is exceptional. The condition of this Tulwar is also very good, making this a sought after piece for collectors.