Khanjarali

Object/Artifact

-

Leviathan: The Archit Patel Collection

The image features an ornate dagger placed diagonally across a grayish-white marbled background. The dagger has a curved, sharp blade and a highly decorative handle, encompassing rich golden motifs that suggest a traditional or ceremonial design. The handle is characterized by its intricate patterns and a slight spiral at the grip, enhancing its elegant appearance. Adjacent to the dagger lies a red velvet sheath decorated with two golden stripes running its length, ending in a gold tip that matches the ornate decoration of the dagger's handle. The contrast of the vivid red sheath against the somber, gray background highlights the regal and antique quality of the dagger, making it a striking object that might be used for display or ceremonial purposes in various cultural settings.

The image features an ornate dagger placed diagonally across a grayish-white marbled background. The dagger has a curved, sharp blade and a highly decorative handle, encompassing rich golden motifs that suggest a traditional or ceremonial design. The handle is characterized by its intricate patterns and a slight spiral at the grip, enhancing its elegant appearance. Adjacent to the dagger lies a red velvet sheath decorated with two golden stripes running its length, ending in a gold tip that matches the ornate decoration of the dagger's handle. The contrast of the vivid red sheath against the somber, gray background highlights the regal and antique quality of the dagger, making it a striking object that might be used for display or ceremonial purposes in various cultural settings.

Name/Title

Khanjarali

Entry/Object ID

231; Full Code: 231.68.41-DG-IA

Tags

Dagger, Gold Work

Description

This is a Khanjarli, a rare and distinctively curved dagger from South India, likely originating from the Vizianagaram or Tanjore regions. This specimen represents a harmonious blend of historical metallurgy and modern craftsmanship: it features an antique Wootz steel blade mounted with high-quality restoration gold Koftgari work. The Blade: Forged from Wootz (crucible steel), the blade exhibits a classic double-curved "S" profile. It features a reinforced, armor-piercing tip and multiple deep fullers (grooves) that provide structural rigidity while maintaining a lightweight balance. The surface displays the characteristic high-contrast "watered" pattern (Jauhar) indicative of high-quality Indian Wootz. The Hilt: The dagger features the signature Khanjarli hilt, characterized by a large, flat, disc-shaped pommel and an integrated knuckle guard. The pommel terminates in a decorative, tiered finial. Restoration Goldwork: Every surface of the steel hilt and the scabbard fittings has been meticulously restored with true gold Koftgari (Teh-nishan). The patterns consist of dense, scrolling floral and foliate motifs characteristic of the royal armories of Rajasthan and the Deccan. This restoration brings the piece back to its original "Darbar" (courtly) splendor. Scabbard: The dagger is housed in a wooden scabbard covered in royal red velvet, featuring matching gold-inlay steel fittings (locket, chape, and suspension ring).

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Unknown Artisan

Date made

circa 1700 - circa 1750

Time Period

18th Century

Ethnography

Cultural Region

Region

South India

Dimensions

Dimension Description

13"

Length

10 in

Material

Wootz, Steel, Gold

Acquisition

Acquisition Method

Purchase

Place

City

Udaipur, Rajasthan