A most Historical 17th-18th Century Indian Hodson's Horse Sikh Long Khanda Sword From the Siege and Relief Of Lucknow. Battle Trophies of an Irish Captain Of the 32nd Foot, Capt. H.G.Browne From a Collection Swords From the Siege and Relief Of Lucknow.

The 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot played a key role in defending the Residency during the Siege of Lucknow in the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859). After the British annexation of Oudh, the 32nd's mess house, the Khursheed Manzil, was occupied by the regiment, which then helped fortify the Residency. Under Colonel John Inglis, the regiment held out for 140 days, winning four Victoria Crosses for acts of gallantry during the prolonged siege. The regiment was retitled the 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry) in recognition of its heroic actions during the defense of Lucknow.
When the Indian Mutiny broke out, the 32nd Regiment of Foot was stationed at Lucknow and was a cornerstone of the British defence of the Residency.
The regiment's commander, Colonel John Inglis, took command of the garrison after the death of the Chief Commissioner, Sir Henry Lawrence.
The 32nd Regiment of Foot endured constant attacks, severe casualties from intense heat, and the ravages of cholera during the 140-day siege.

Gifted to the family by Irish born Capt. H.G.Browne {later Colonel of the 100th Foot} who died just before WW1 and was buried near his home on the Isle of Wight.

17th to 18th century Indian tulwar swords and this super, long khanda, all to be sold seperately. Some could make a fabulous display paired and crossed. Some are in great condition, but obviously used in combat at Lucknow, so they all saw considerable service. Including one has had its knuckle bow blasted in half, possibly by cannon shot, and one has so many combat sword cuts on its edge they are almost too numerous to count. One has a very early blade that has considerable age pitting. A very impressive piece for the display of its historical context as a sword of battle.
This khanda was likely presented to Capt browne by an officer of Hodson's Horse, possibly Lt. Mecham. Hodsons horse were a loyal Indian regiment that were present at the victory of the final siege and capture of Lucknow.
Hodson's Horse went to the relief of Lucknow and participated in the operations leading to the city's final capture in March 1858.
Major Hodson's Death: Major Hodson was killed during the final assault on Lucknow.

The khanda has an open basket hilt with wide hand protection. The name firangi meaning foreigner was also apparently given to swords of this style these somewhat later in the 17th Century, as they were mounted with European blades, imported by the Portugese, which were highly valued. Some blades were locally made in the European style. The blades were mounted on the Khanda style hilt and with the long spike extending from the pommel which enabled them to be used as two handed swords. The firangi sword characteristically had a straight blade of backsword form (single edged). The blade often incorporated one, two, or three fullers (grooves) and had a spear-tip shaped point. The sword could be used to both cut and thrust. The longer blades were often rather flexible. Examples with narrow rapier blades have survived, though in small numbers. The hilt was of the type sometimes called the "Indian basket-hilt" and was identical to that of another Indian straight-bladed sword the khanda. The hilt afforded a substantial amount of protection for the hand and had a prominent spike projecting from the pommel which could be grasped, resulting in a two-handed capability for the sword. Like other contemporary Indian swords the hilt of the firangi was usually of iron and the tang of the blade was attached to the hilt using a very strong resin, additionally, the hilt to blade connection was reinforced by projections from the hilt onto either face of the forte of the blade which were riveted together though a hole passing through the blade. Because of its length the firangi is usually regarded as primarily a cavalry weapon. Illustrations suggest a 16th-century date for the development of the sword, though early examples appear to have had simpler cross-guard hilts, similar to those of the talwar. The sword has been especially associated with the Marathas, who were famed for their cavalry. However, the firangi was widely used by the Mughals and those peoples who came under their rule, including Sikhs and Rajputs. Images of Mughal potentates holding firangis, or accompanied by retainers carrying their masters' firangis, suggest that the sword became a symbol of martial virtue and power. Photographs of Indian officers of Hodson's Horse (an irregular cavalry unit raised by the British) show that the firangi was still in active use at the time of the Indian Mutiny in 1857-58 The khanda can generally be a double-edge but can be a single edged straight sword. It is often featured in religious iconography, theatre and art depicting the ancient history of India. Some communities venerate the weapon as a symbol of Shiva.

First Siege
Full-scale rebellion reached Lucknow on May 30 and Lawrence was compelled to use the British 32nd Regiment of Foot to drive the rebels from the city. Improving his defenses, Lawrence conducted a reconnaissance in force to the north on June 30, but was forced back to Lucknow after encountering a well-organized sepoy force at Chinat. Falling back to the Residency, Lawrence's force of 855 British soldiers, 712 loyal sepoys, 153 civilian volunteers, and 1,280 non-combatants was besieged by the rebels.

Comprising around sixty acres, the Residency defenses were centered on six buildings and four entrenched batteries. In preparing the defenses, British engineers had wanted to demolish the large number of palaces, mosques, and administrative buildings that surrounded the Residency, but Lawrence, not wishing to further anger the local populace, ordered them saved. As a result, they provided covered positions for rebel troops and artillery when attacks began on July 1.

The next day Lawrence was mortally wounded by a shell fragment and died on July 4. Command devolved to Colonel Sir John Inglis of the 32nd Foot. Though the rebels possessed around 8,000 men, a lack of unified command prevented them from overwhelming Inglis' troops.

The sieges and reliefs of Lucknow cost the British around 2,500 killed, wounded, and missing while rebel losses are not known. Though Outram and Havelock wished to clear the city, Campbell elected to evacuate as other rebel forces were threatening Cawnpore. While British artillery bombarded the nearby Kaisarbagh, the non-combatants were removed to Dilkuska Park and then on to Cawnpore.

To hold the area, Outram was left at the easily held Alambagh with 4,000 men. The fighting at Lucknow was seen as a test of British resolve and the final day of the second relief produced more Victoria Cross winners than any other single day. Lucknow was retaken by Campbell the following March.

A photo in the gallery picture shows members of Hodson's Horse, a body of loyal Indian horsemen formed during the Indian Mutiny by Lieutenant William Hodson. Their distinctive uniforms included scarlet turbans and shoulder sashes over beige tunics. Beato probably took this photograph shortly after the final capture of Lucknow in March 1858. Hodson was killed during the assault. There is some confusion over the identity of the two British officers, but it seems most likely to be Lieutenant Clifford Henry Mecham (standing) and Assistant Surgeon Thomas Anderson (sitting). Anderson cared for Hodson after he was wounded and was with him when he died on 11 March 1858. 37 inch long blade

Code: 25919