Talwar

From SwordWiki

Overview

Talwar is one of the characteristic swords of India. Usually this type of sword has a curved blade, short stubby quillons, langets and disc pommel with central dome. The use of curved blade in India became popular in the 16th century. The term talwar is used to describe all swords, but it's associated with this particular sword.

The Hilt

The most common talwar hilt is all-metal, with a disc pommel which has slighty upturned rim and central dome. The grip swells at the centre and narrows toward the quillons. The langets begin from the quillons. Majority of hilts were highly decorated with patterns, while plain hilts were the exception. Hilts made for highly ranked men were often set with jewels. Some hilts have a knucklebow. It begins from the front quillon and form a extended S form and touches the disc pommel. The hilt is secured by embedding the tang with an strong adhesive compound which filled the inside of the grip.