Sabre (Talwar) with Scabbard (Primary Title)
Saber (Talwar) with Scabbard (Alternate Title)
Unknown (Artist)
The long, curved shape of the Indian talwar’s blade was likely influenced by Persian and Central Asian swords. Refined under the Mughals, the talwar was adopted by India’s nobles and became part of the royal regalia of most Indian rulers. This example’s lavish hilt, which is encrusted with gems set into nearly pure gold, and its delicate gold scabbard fittings suggest that it was meant for ceremonial, rather than military, use.
Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection, Gift of Paul Mellon
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
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