Sword and Sheath thumbnail 1
Sword and Sheath thumbnail 2
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Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
South Asia Gallery, Room 41

Sword and Sheath

17th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This sword was made in the Deccan, India, in the 17th century. Its hilt is of steel overlaid with gold, and the typical form of the knuckle-guard is lined with padded cotton. The blade is made of the fine watered steel for which the Deccan was renowned, and has some gold overlaid decoration. The scabbard is covered with brocaded silk.


Object details

Category
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 3 parts.

  • Sword
  • Sword Sheath
  • Sword Knot
Materials and techniques
Brief description
Sword and sheath khanda the steel hilt overlaid with gold, the knuckle-guard lined with padded cotton; the blade watered steel with gold overlaid steel mounts; the scabbard covered with brocaded silk., Maratha or Deccan, 17th century.
Physical description
The steel hilt overlaid with gold, the knuckle-guard lined with padded cotton; the blade watered steel with gold overlaid steel mounts; the scabbard covered with brocaded silk.
Dimensions
  • Length: 103cm
Gallery label
SWORD AND SCABBARD: The steel hilt overlaid with gold, the knuckle-guard lined with padded cotton; the blade watered steel with gold overlaid steel mounts; the scabbard covered with brocaded silk.
Credit line
Given by Lord Kitchener
Object history
Given by the Rt. Hon. the Earl Kitchener of Khartoum.
As originally arranged and displayed in Exhibition Road Indian Museum galleries until 1955, with some additions while in storage, case F.704
Summary
This sword was made in the Deccan, India, in the 17th century. Its hilt is of steel overlaid with gold, and the typical form of the knuckle-guard is lined with padded cotton. The blade is made of the fine watered steel for which the Deccan was renowned, and has some gold overlaid decoration. The scabbard is covered with brocaded silk.
Collection
Accession number
IS.212toB-1964

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Record createdJune 26, 2008
Record URL
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