An I8-19th Century Damascus Gold Hilted Sword, A Mughal Nobleman's Tulwar. From the Punjab Region, Likely Lahore. A Beautiful Sword Of Efficiency Combined With Status

The hilt is of traditional form, complete with a knuckle-guard. The hilt is layered with fine gold koftgari in a floral and tendril pattern, accompanied with geometrical boarders. The gold design is consistent throughout the entirety of the hilt. The floral and tendril design is reminiscent of the Mughal empire, but similar floral gold work also became popular within Lahore and is commonly associated with the Arms and Armour of Punjab. The gold is thick, bright and well preserved. For the most part, the gold is all in tact and well preserved, there is only loss on the top of the pommel disk, which is due to age. The pommel features a rounded top, often used for striking . The pommel disk with dome topmost features a fine design. There are clear indications that this particular hilt is of Punjab manufacture: (1) the fat vase shape of the grip section, (2) the slightly forward angle of the quillons, (3) the knuckle guard that ends in a flower bud and (4) the floral style of gold koftgari. In this example, the hilt is of the 18th to 19th century, whereas the blade is an earlier example. It was common for blades and hilts to be changed and kept based on their quality. Though, it should be noted that this type of Hilt was popular amongst the Mughal Royals and made in South India, Delhi. The sword of Aurangzeb exhibits a similar style hilt in form and shape. It was formerly in the collection of Lord Kitchener of Khartoum, and was given to the museum by his descendant in 1964.. Another similar style hilt is on a Lahore tulwar, kept at the V&A.

Pattern welded steel blade inlaid with faded gold down the whole length, with islamic cartouche.

Quote from a 19th century British officer on the efficacy of the tulwar {talwar}.

“The tulwar is a fearful weapon in skilfull hands. It is very much curved from the centre up, broad, well tempered, and keen as a razor. The scabbard is always wood or leather, as a metal one would dull the edge. Its shape not being adapted for thrusting, the point is never used, but a drawing cut invariably given, to assist which the grip is small and the handle narrow, lest it might turn in the hand. The natives are generally much more skillful in its use than our men, and sometimes wield it with an effect too terrible to be believed except by those who have witnessed it. I have several times seen a hand lopped away clean from the wrist, or a head cut off by a single blow.” —Peter Parley, 1869.

The talwar sword is a symbol of India’s martial tradition, though its legacy isn’t just confined to the theatre of war. It permeates Indian art, folklore, and culture, embodying the spirit of a bygone era where the sword was both a tool of war and a symbol of bravery, artistry, and honour.
The talwar sword was typically made from high-carbon steel, including the crucible Wootz steel, known for its longevity and ability to hold a sharp edge. Its unique shape, with a pronounced curve and an often wide, flat blade, also allowed for powerful slicing and chopping motions. The blade – usually around 70 centimetres long – not only enhanced its cutting efficiency but also made it ideal for mounted combat, where swift, sweeping strikes were crucial. The hilt was frequently adorned with intricate designs and sometimes jewelled, featured a cross-guard and a disc-shaped pommel, providing excellent grip and balance.

Like many swords of the era, the talwaar was brutally destructive but aesthetically beautiful. In the seventeenth century, some of the most talented swordsmiths would craft blades with a chevron pattern by welding separate pieces of steel together. Some hilts would be inlaid with silver or gold, known as koftgari, and the inside of the knuckle guard or under the pommel were sometimes inscribed with a devotional message or with the name of the owner of the sword and the date it was made.
The tulwar was not just a weapon but also a status symbol, often richly decorated and carried by nobility and elite soldiers. Its use was widespread across the Indian subcontinent, and it played a pivotal role in numerous historical conflicts and battles.

Code: 25716