Silver Sirohi Sword

Origin: India (Rajasthan)

Date: 19th century

Length: Total Length: 90cm 

Materials: Steel and silver, wood and leather

Reference: TSWSSS

Status: Available

A traditional silver work Sirohi from Rajasthan

THIS EXAMPLE

The hilt is of an open guard form and elegantly decorated with silver koftgari in the form of flowers and geometric patterns. This example is true to the traditional regional design of Rajasthan. The steel hilt is anointed with a thick application of silver overlay. The design throughout is consistent, and represents nature as it shows tendrils, flowers and birds; elegant and appealing to the eye. The silver overlay is 80% intact. The silver work is crisply executed with fine attention paid to the details. General age wear associate with the silver work. The pommel features a pommel spike, often used for striking. The pommel disk features a fine Surajvanshi (sun-burst) design, which is of Suryavansh origin. Suryavansh are of the Rajput dynasties and link their lineage to ‘Surya’ who is the Sun God. Suryavansha is mentioned in classical Indian texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. 

The blade is of a Sirohi type where is there is a slight curve from approx. three quarters of the blade. The blade is of nice proportions and a true example of a fighting blade Hendley attributes 'Sirohi' swords to the state of Sirohi, a southern state famous for creating swords of a high standard. He says “Rajputana, Rajasthan, or the land of the Rajputs, the sons of kings, should produce, and does produce, everything necessary for carrying on the art of war. Sirohi [southern Rajasthan], the small state in which is stated Mount Abu, the Mons Capitalium of Pliny, had been famed since the days of Herodotus [5th century BC] for its sword blades, and at the Jeypore Exhibition it retained its ancient reputation by carrying off the first prize for arms. This small state of the Deora Rajpurs supplies blades and spear points to all Rajputana, but every court employs its own armourers, some of whom have attained fame beyond their homes.” Pant however describes the Sirohi based on the blades architecture, which is slim and slightly curved, and of a very hard temper. Pant also states that this type of sword was favoured by the Rajputs. 

Accompanying the sword is a new wooden scabbard wrapped in genuine black leather. 

CONCLUSION

Overall this is a nice quality sword holding traditional features; with a practical fighting blade. A great example.