Mughal Kirach

Origin: India

Date: Early 18th century

Length: 99cm

Materials: Iron, steel, gold, wood and velvet

Reference: TSWMK

A fine quality Mughal Kirach with a stamped blade

INTRODUCTION

A Kirach is an Indian sword with a single edge blade that is straight or almost straight blade with a slight downward curve near the tip. The term originates from its Urdu name, kirach (کرچ). This type of blade/sword is one, if not the most, rarest forms of the Indian sword. It was only given to the best warriors as it had the form of a Khanda, but was in a way superior as it allows for slashing and thrusting. 

THIS EXAMPLE

The Mughal hilt is overlaid with gold and complete with the knuckle guard. On the hilt, the gold koftgari is not typical. It actually includes small, very detailed, battle standards (in India referred to as ‘Berkha’). The kirach was reserved for the best soldiers and generals as it was their preferred weapon (as its superior to the khanda due to its thrusting capabilities). Given that the hilt actually includes the battle standard - its likely this sword was of the highest ranking soldier or general. The gold koftgari is over 90% intact. A straight, long, blade of pattern welded steel of the highest quality. The blade has not been restored and is in fantastic condition with a high quality pattern welded steel pattern visible throughout the entire length of the blade. A single fuller runs down the side of the blade. Very well balanced and weighted, the sword is a clear example of a battle ready sword with visible strike marks. At the forte there is a royal mughal inlaid stamp.

 COMPARABLE EXAMPLES

A similar sword is held in the Royal Collection Trust: RCIN 38197 and is described as follows:

CONCLUSION

All in all, this is a very nice and rare example, complete with a new period matching scabbard. A Mughal period kirach of this high quality, is very sought after and primarily kept as investment.