Dagger (chilanum)

CultureIndian
Titles
  • Dagger (chilanum)
Datelate 17th–mid-18th century
MediumSteel, gold and iron
DimensionsOverall: 13 1/16 × 3 3/8 in. (33.2 × 8.6 cm)
Dagger: 13 1/16 in. (33.2 cm)
Hilt: 3 3/8 × 4 1/2 in. (8.6 × 11.5 cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number2015.580.A,.B
Current Location
The Caroline Wiess Law Building
113 Islamic Art Gallery
Exposé

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DescriptionThe chilanum was used by Maratha warriors who served the Deccani kingdoms of central India. The powerful recurved blade of the narrow, polished steel multi-fullers and armor-piercing tip are typical of the chilanum form. The iron hilt is lavishly inlaid and overlaid with gold in the koftgari technique.
ProvenanceThe Richard R. Wagner Jr. Collection; [Simon Ray Limited, London]; purchased by MFAH, 2015.
Exhibition HistoryHiggins Armory Museum, Worcester, Massachusetts, September–December 1994.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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