Original Item: Only One Available. Found in the Palace of Lagan Silikana in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2003 this is an example of one of the earliest types of Indian battle swords dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
Although it has a resemblance to a Tulwar it is in fact called a KHANDA and was based on swords carried by early European explorers to India 500 years ago. The blades were sometimes actual European blades resembling those used by knights and names like ANDREA FERRARA have been found on some similar weapons now in museums. These large straight bladed Swords were for Cut & Thrust techniques that were later replaced by the well known curved slashing blades of the Tulwars of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Our example certainly shows its age. It has an all steel hilt, the grip covering over the substantial blade tang and guard lining have long since gone. There is the typical Khanda tail extending from the pommel that was used as a second handhold providing added thrust to the blade, although the base of this piece is beginning to rust off.
The blade itself is 36” long with an overall length of 42½”. It is still relatively sharp, and the blade does look to have seen much use.
Clearly this is a hard to find ancient sword, offered as we found it except for cleaning off a lot of the dirt and surface rust. Offered as it is, for the specialist collector of ancient Asian swords. Reference: STONE’S “GLOSSARY” Pages 351 and 352.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 36”
Blade Style: Straight Single Edge with 2 fullers
Skull Crusher Length: 3”
Overall length: 42½”
Basket dimensions: 4 3/4″ width x 4” length