Talwar
Description
This sword has a hilt of rock crystal in the shape of a parrot (Totaghati). The eyes and the neckband of the parrot head are studded with rubies set in gold wire. Interestingly, the beak has been fashioned in gold with red enamel on it.
On the lower part of the hilt are six-petalled flowers set with pink and white stones in gold wire. Below the flowers, rows of light green stones are set in gold in the shape of leaves. This runs all around the lower edge of the hilt. The ricasso of the sword is decorated with floral designs with birds, elephants, tigers, etc. in gold damascene.
The blade of the sword has watermarks indicating its superior quality. Such blades were subjected to a process of watering by dipping them alternately in acid and water till they acquired fine strength and watermarks on them.
The carvings of hard stones like jade and crystal reached a high degree of perfection during the 16th–17th Century.
Sir Ratan Tata Collection
Collection
Arms and Armour
Object Type
Swords
Material
Steel Blade with Rock Crystal Hilt
Schools/Culture/Period
Mughal
Technique
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Date
17th Century CE
Location
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Dimension
L 86.6 cm