SIROHI STAMP TULWAR
Origin: Marwar Region, Rajasthan
Date: 19th Century
Size: 36 inches
Ref: SD18014
Price: SOLD
An interesting and collectable ’Sirohi’ sword with original Marwar hilt.
The large steel hilt is decorated with a thick application of silver overlay in scrolling floral design, which remains almost 100% intact. A crisply executed inscription in 'Marwadi/Marwari' is found on the underside of the pommel disk, which reads:
“ Sri Govin Nathji Sahebiyaji Saysha Vatrayla (Vatsalya??) Kadha”. Interestingly, the inscription concludes with “Kramank 192”. “Kramank” is abbreviated to “Km”, the way “number” is abbreviated to “no.”. The number “192” could then be an armoury inventory number or an issue number.
The beginning of the inscription is a dedication to Sri Nathji, a form of the Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of the Hindu God Vishnu who has a significant following in this region of Rajasthan. The second part of the inscription is most likely the owners name.
The format of a salutation to the owners God, followed by the owners name was common practise of the time which transcended religion and was also practised by Sikhs and Muslims alike. The owner would pray for the protection of their God through their sword hence the need to mark the sword with an inscription dedicated to them.
The blade is broad and is of dark Wootz steel with a very clear and active watered pattern, stamped with a makers device connected to Sirohi which may indicate where the blade was produced. It is possible that the blade is of earlier manufacture and was mounted to the hilt at the time of the hilts production sometime in the second half of the 19th century.
Note The Royal Collection Trust has a sword that has this mark (acc. no.RCIN I 1235), which was presented to King Edward VII, when Prince of Wales, during his tour of India in 1875-76 by Ram Singh II, Maharaja of Jaipur.
