Name/Title
Sirohi with Karanshahi GripEntry/Object ID
189; Full Code: 189.19.40-SW-IATags
SwordDescription
This is a high-status Talwar, the classic saber of the Indian subcontinent. It represents a masterful marriage of an antique Wootz steel blade with high-quality restoration silver Koftgari work on the hilt and scabbard fittings. The restoration has been executed to return the sword to its original "Darbar" (royal court) appearance.
The Blade: The primary value of this piece lies in its antique blade, forged from Wootz (crucible steel). The blade features a graceful, shallow curve optimized for the traditional Indian draw-cut. Upon close inspection, the surface reveals the characteristic "watered" or "damascus" pattern (Jauhar), formed by the crystalline structure of high-carbon steel.
The Hilt: The hilt is a traditional Indo-Muslim style made of steel. It features a heavy disc pommel surmounted by a prominent sunburst-etched dome and a short, tapered finial. The cross-guard (quillons) are short and rounded, terminating in stylized flower buds.
Restoration Silverwork: The entire hilt has been meticulously restored with Silver Koftgari (silver overlay). The pattern is a dense, high-contrast floral arabesque, where pure silver wire has been hammered into a cross-hatched steel surface. The underside of the disc pommel is particularly striking, featuring a detailed radial sunburst motif.
Scabbard: The sword is paired with a wooden scabbard covered in royal crimson velvet. The silver-restored steel fittings—including the locket (at the mouth) and the chape (at the tip)—mirror the floral motifs of the hilt, creating a unified aesthetic.Made/Created
Manufacturer
Unknown ArtisanDate made
circa 1700 - circa 1750Time Period
18th CenturyDimensions
Dimension Description
36"Length
32 inAcquisition
Acquisition Method
PurchasePlace
City
JodhpurState/Province
Rajasthan
